
aass,_IEr ^o^ 



COMPLETE HISTORY 

OF THE 

MEXICAN ^YAU: 

ITS CAUSES. CONDUCT. AND CONSEQUENCES 

COMPRISING AN ACCOUNT OP THE 

VARIOUS MILITARY AND NAVAL OPERATIONS, 

FROM ITS COMMENCEMENT TO THE 

TREATY OE PEACE. 

ILLUSTRATED AND EXPLAINED BY 

MAPS, PLANS OF BATTLES, VIEWS, AND PORTRAITS. 
BY N. C. BROOKS, A.M., 

MEMBER OF THE MARYLAND UISTORICAL SOCIETY ; 
AUTHOR OF " SKETCHES OF THE BATTLES OF THE REVOLUTION," ETC. ETC. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

GRIGG, ELLIOT & CO., 14 NORTH FOURTH STREET. 

BALTIMORE: 

HUTCHINSON & SEEBOLD. 

1851 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1841t, liy 

HUTCHINSON & SEEBOLD, 
iu the Clerk's OfiSce of the District Court of .Maryland. 



J'/S'/ii f 



& 4' 



Prnted by T. K. & P. G. Collins. 



PREFACE. 



In relation to the origin of the Mexican War, which 
now forms an important part of the history of our coun- 
try, public opinion has been divided, and much affected 
by the political bias of the two leading parties; so that 
it is impossible for an impartial chronicler to please 
both, and difficult even to avoid giving offence to either. 

I have therefore reviewed the causes which led to the 
war between the sister republics, unaffected by any 
party preferences or prejudices whatever ; and after a 
careful examination of all the points at issue, and the 
diplomatic action of the two governments, have endea- 
voured at least to arrive at just and candid conclusions. 

In the record of the events of the war — which may 
challenge comparison with the military achievements of 
any age or nation — I have endeavoured to award to each 
arm of the service — cavalry, artillery, and infantry, and 
to our navy — the meed of praise it has so nobly won; 
and if, in any case, the claims of particular persons may 
have been overlooked, it is to be hoped that the circum- 
stance will not be attributed to 3 disposition to do injus- 
tice to any. 

(5) 



Vi ; PREFACE. 

For the details of the history, I am indebted mainly 
to the perusal of the diplomatic correspondence and 
public records — the letters and official reports of the 
ijeneral and subordinate officers, and interviews and cor- 
respondence with those who were active participators in 
the scenes described. 

The subscribers to The History of the Mexican- 
War, who have patiently waited some time for the 
reception of their copies, will pardon a delay which 
lias insured the authenticity of the work and enhanced 
its value. 

BaltimorKj July Ath^ 1849. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Calses of the Mexran VVak— Revolution ol tlu' Ilisiiaiio- American Provinces 
—Consequent irregularities— Neutrality ot the United States— Violations oC it by 
Mexico— Forbearance of the United States— Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and 
Navigation— Revolt of Texas— Neutrality of the United States— Troops under 
General Gaines— Conduct of M. Gorostiza, the Mexican Minister . . Page 5 

. CHAPTER n. 
liijuncs and Insults oticred by Mexico— Outrages on the Persons and Property of 
American Citizens— Insults to the American Flag— Application of Texas for the 
recognition of her Nationality— Just and candid Policy of General Jackson— Re- 
cognition of Texas— Refusal of Mexico to redress or even admit the Injuries 
committed against the United States- Jackson's special Message— Action of 
Congress— Special Messenger despatched— Promises of redress— Neglect oi 
Mexico to perform her Promises— Renewal of Negotiations— Convention for the 
Settlement of Claims— Procrastination and Evasion of Mexico- Failure ot 
Mexico to comply with the Stipulations ^'' 

CHAPTER 111. 
Early Condition of Texas— Grant to Moses Austin by the Spanish Authorities- 
Colony led to Texas by Stephen F. Austin in 1821— Overthrow of the Spanish 
Power in Mexico— Contirmation of the Grant to Austin— Mexican Constitution 
of 1824 — Coahuila and Texas provisionally united as a State — Guaranty ot 
future State Sovereignty to Texas— Its Political Condition— Election of Pedraza 
as President of Mexico overthrown by the Military Power of Santa Anna— 
'niirrero declared President— Deposition and Death of Guerrero by Bustamente 
—Tyranny of Bustamente— Troops sent to harass Texas— Expelled by the 
Tf'xans- Bustamente overthrown by Santa Anna and Pedraza recalled— Santa 
Anna President— Overthrow of the Constitution and Federal System- A Central 
(Jovernment organized— Resistance of the Mexicans— Zacatccas— Butchery oi 
the People— Call of a Texan Congress of Consultation— Arrival of (Jencral Cos in 
'IVxas— Resistance of the Texans— Fall of the Mexican Forts— General Cos 
capitulaies with his Troops— Declaration of the People of Texas-Provisional 

24 
Govrrnment 

■? 0) 



/ 



Mil CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER IV. 

Rumours of Invasion— Want of Preparation by tlie Texans— Convention of the 
People— Intelligence of the Advance of the Mexican Army— Declaration of In- 
dependence —Constitution in conibrniity to it— General Houston's Orders- 
Lorenzo de Zavala, the Refugee— Advance of the Mexican Army— Urea marches 
on Goliad— Santa Anna marches on San Antonio— Colonel Travis in the Alamo 
—Besieged by General Siesnia— Arrival of Santa Anna and Fall of the Alamo- 
Surrender of Colonel Fannin at Goliad— Massacre of the Prisoners after Capitu- 
lation-Policy of General Houston— Battle of San Jacinto— Complete Victory- 
Capture of Santa Anna — Texan Independence established ...... S'j 

CHAPTER V. 

Political Existence of Texas— Proposals for Annexation to the United States- 
Attempt to effect the Recognition of the Independence of Texas by Mexico- 
President Tyler's Treaty of Annexation — Its Rejection by the Senate — Mr. 
Bocanegra — Protest of Almonte — Letter of General Jackson — Joint Resolution 
for the Aimexation of Texas — Protest and Departure of the Mexican Minister — 
Action of the Mexican Government — Measures for the Defence of Texas — Gene- 
ral Taylor Commander of the Forces of the United States for its Defence — Letter 
of Instructions — Acceptance of the Terms of Annexation by Texas — The Army 
of Occupation at Corpus Christi — Attempt to open Negotiations with Mexico- 
Mr. Slidell's Mission — Downfall of Herrera and Accession of Paredes — Refusal 
to receive Mr. Slidell except as a Special Envoy — Advance of the United States 
«Army to the Rio Grande — The Texan Boundary considered — Arrival of the 
American Army at the Colorado — Crossing disputed — Point Isabel invested — 
March resumed — Encampment on the Rio Grande — Correspondence . . 'iO 

CHAPTER VI. 
Interview between General Worth and the Authorities of Matamoros — Intrencli- 
ments thrown up — Fort Brown — Murder of Colonel Cross — Arrival of General 
Ampudia — Artful Address to the Foreigners in the American Army — Correspond- 
ence between Ampudia and General Taylor — Blockade of the Rio Grande — First 
Rencontre — Body of Colonel Cross found — The Burial — Arista's Arrival — Prt)- 
clamation of Paredes — Correspondence between Arista and Taylor — Recapitula- 
tion of the Causes of the War 90 

CHAPTER VII. 
Capture of Captain Thornton's Command — Exultation of the Enemy — Council-of- 
war — Contemplated Attack of Arista — Arrival of Captain Walker — Skirmish with 
the Mexicans — Arista crosses the Rio Grande — March of General Taylor to Point 
Isabel — Garrison of Fort Brown — Religious Ceremonies — Bombardment of Fort 
Brown — Death of Major Brown — Arista's Summons to Surrender — Hawkins's 
Reply — Battle of Palo Alto heard at Fort Brown — Resaca de la Palma — Mexican 
Fugitives 10.5 

CHAPTER VIII. 
Bombardment of Fort Brown heard at Point Isabel — Captain Walker sent with a 
Communication to Major Brown — May charges the Enemy's Lancers — Return 
of Captain Walker — March of General Taylor for Fort Brown— Published Order 



CONTENTS, IX 

— Enemy discovered — Arista's Order of Battle — Taylor's Order of Battle — 
Daring Service of Lieutenant Blake — Enemy's B'irc opened — Duncan's Battery — 
Ringgold's Artillery — ChurchhiU's 18-poundcrs — Charge of Cavalry — Lieutenant 
Ridgely — Fall of Ringgold — Artillery Battalion — Lieutenant-Colonel Childs — 
The Prairie fired — Duncan's Movement — Forces of the two Armies — The Lost 
on each side — Taylor's Despatch — Arista's Despatch . , 12:? 

CHAPTER IX. 

A Council-of-War — Taylor's March resumed — Mexicans killed and wounded — 
Advance-Guard under Captain McCall — Skirmish with the Enemy — His Position 
at Resaca de la Palma — Commencement of the Battle — Ridgely's Artillery — 
The 5th Infantry — The 4th Infantry — Service of the Cannon — 8th Infantry 
brought up — ]May ordered to take the Enemy's Battery — May's brilliant Charge 
— Death of Lieutenant Inge — Capture of General Vega — Bravery of Lieutenant - 
Colonel Belknap — Lieutenant-Colonel Mcintosh w-ounded — Capture of Arista's 
Camp — Lieutenant Cochrane killed — The Tampico Battalion — Capture of its 
Flag — Rout of the Enemy — General Taylor's Report — Burial of the Dead — 
Humanity of General Taylor — Exchange of Prisoners — Congratulatory Orders — 
Manifesto of the Mexican Commander l;n 



CHAPTER X. 

Assistance aflbrded by Commodore Conner — Reduction of Barita — Taylor's arrival 
at Fort Brown — Preparations for attacking Matamoros — Cause of Taylor's inac- 
tivity after the Battles of the 8th and 9th of May — Letter to the War Department 
— Occupation of Matamoros — Arista's Flight — He is ordered to lay down his 
command — The War announced to Congress — President's Proclamation — Ineffi- 
cient preparations for War — Rejoicings in the United States for the victories at 
Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma — Taylor breveted a Major-General — Act of 
Congress promoting him to full rank — Appointment of General Officers — 
Occupation of Reynosa — Capture of Camargo — Of Mier — Organization of tlw 
Army — Departure for Seralvo — Letter to the Adjutant-General — March on 
Monterey 15 1 

CHAPTER XI. 

Monterey — Defences of the City — Mexican Forces — Reconnois.'sances — Worth's 
Column of Attack — Occupation of the Pass in the west — Defences in that direction 
— Operations of the First Division — Colonel Garland's command — Severe firo 
from the Enemy's Batteries — Fall of Major Barbour and Colonel Watson — Cap- 
tain Backus — 4th Infantry — General Quitman's Attack on Redoubt No. 1 — 
Redoubt taken and guns turned on the Enemy — General Butler's command — 
Cavalry repulsed by Bragg's battery — Worth's Operations — Engagement wiiii 
the Lancers — Storming-party under Captain Smith — 7th Infantry under Captain 
Miles — Reinforcement under General Smith — Attack on Federacion Hill and 
Fort Soldada — Taken and occupied — Storming-party under Lieutenant Childs — 
Independence Hill — Sortie from the Bishop's Palace — Palace taken — Operations 
under General Taylor — Approach to the (irand Piaxa — Capitulation — Terms of 
the Convention ... I7.I 



X CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XII. 
Evacuation of Monterey— Policy of the Capitulation— Views of the Administra- 
„on— General Taylor's Letter— Retrospect of Mexican affairs— Elevation oi 
Paredcs— Pronuncianiento in favour of Santa Anna— His arrival at Vera Cruz- 
Permission to pass through the Fleet— Termination of the Armistice— Projected 
Expedition against Tamaulipas— Opinions of General Taylor relative to the Pro- 
secution of the War— Saltillo occupied by the American troops— Protest of the 
(;overnor of Coaluiila— Advance to Agua Nueva— General Wool's Expedition 
against Chihuahua— Arrival of Wool's column at Monclova— Marches to Parras— 
Tampico occupied— General Taylor marches upon Victoria— Reconnoissances 
towards Labradores and Linares— Arrival of General Scott in Mexico— With- 
drawal of troops from General Taylor— Orders consequent thereon- Santa Anna's 
March from San Luis Potosi against General Taylor— Ruse of General Taylor- 
Forces of Santa Anna— Angostura— February 22d— Summons of Santa Anna to 
(Jcneral Taylor to surrender— Taylor's Reply— Battle of Buena Vista— Skir- 
mishes — Result of the Action 190 

CHAPTER XIII. 
Action of the 23d— Commencement on the American left — Enemy's Columns of 
Attack — Advance of Lombardini's and Pachecho's Divisions — O'Brien, with his 
Artillery and 2d Indiana Regiment, ordered to repulse them — Retreat of the 2d 
Indiana Regiment — American Reserve ordered up — Second Column of Attack 
repulsed at Angostura — Troops on the Plateau reinforced by Artillery and Infan- 
try — Arrival of General Taylor on the Field — Confidence restored — The gallant 
Mississippi Regiment — The Enemy driven back on the American left — The con- 
test on the Plateau — Movement of the Cavalry on the Enemy's right checked — 
Batteries of Sherman and Bragg— Baggage-train threatened by Cavalry— Dan- 
gerous Position of the Enemy's Cavalry — Biise of Santa Anna — Mexican 
Reserve ordered up — Terrible Service of O'Brien's Artillery — Slaughter of the 
Illinois and Kentucky Regiments — Deaths of Colonels Hardin, McKce, and Clay 
— Washington's Battery — Gallantry of Lieutenant O'Brien — Repulse of Minon's 
Cavalry — Close of the Battle — American and Mexican Losses .... 212 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Co.NQCEST OF N EW Mexico. — Recognition of the War, and Disposition of the 
Forces — General Kearny — Army of the West — Instructions from the War Depart- 
ment—March from Fort Lcavenworth—Arrival at Cotmcil Grove — The Prairies 
—Bent's Fort— Proclamation by Colonel Kearny— March resumed— Las Vegas 
— E.xpected Battle — Tacolete— Pecos — The Canon — Captiu-e of Santa Fc — 
Appointment of Officers — Departure of General Kearny for California. — Co.\- 
uiEST OF California. — Commodore Stockton — Colonel Fremont — Kit Carson 
-Counter-revolution — Battle of San Pasqual — San Bernardo — Battle of the 
Son Gabriel — Reoccupation of Los Angeles — Return of General Kearny . 224 

CHAPTER XV. 
(.'olonel Doniphan's Expedition against the Navajoes — Treaty with the Indians — 
The Zumians— March upon Chihuahua— Battle of the Brazito— Town and Val- 
ley of El Paso — March continued — Enemy's position at the Sacramento — Battle 
of the Sacramento — Occupation of Chihuahua — March for Saltillo — Aflairs in 



CONTENTS. XI 

New Mexico — Plot discovered — Second Conspiracy — Governor Bent murdered 
— Pueblo de Taos — Insurrection quelled '2GG 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Govornnient determines upon making Vera Cruz the base of a new Lino of Ope- 
rations — Vera Cruz — Description of the City — San Juan d'UIloa — By whom 
founded — Description of the Fortress — Its Capture by Aclc, Lorencillo, and 
Bodin — Taylor notified of the intention to reduce his Force — Scott ordered to 
Mexico — Reaches the Rio Grande — Appoints the Island of Lobos as the place 
of Rendezvous — Description of Lobos — The Arrival of Volunteers — Reconnois- 
sance by Scott and Conner — Preparations for Disembarking upon the Beach at 
Vera Cruz — Disembarkation of the Troops — Investment of the City — Gallant 
co-operation of the Navy — Skirmishes with the Enemy — Investment completed 
— Scott's Despatch to the War Department — The Batteries opened — Skirmish at 
Fuente del Medio — Harney's brilliant affair at Medellin — Overtures for the Sur- 
render of Vera Cruz and San Juan d'UlIoa — Commissioners appointed — Cere- 
mony of Capitulation — Scott's Despatch to the War Department — Alvarado 
— Effects of the bombardment of Vera Cruz 291 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Scott receives information of the Battle of Buena Vista — The course of Santa Anna 
— Forced Levy attempted by Gomez Farias — Civil War in the Capital — March 
of Santa Anna upon the Capital from San Luis Potosi — He is met by a Deputa- 
tion from the City — Enters Mexico in triumph — Is installed President of the 
Republic — Reconciles conflicting Parties — Collects a new Army — Fortifies the 
Road to the Capital — Formation of Guerrilla Bands — Address of Santa Anna to 
the Mexican People 31() 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
Scott commences his March for the Capital — Twiggs thrown forward in advance 
— Reaches Plan del Rio — Is joined by the General-in-ehief — Description of 
Cerro Gordo — Scott determines upon turning the Position — A new Road cut — 
Twiggs ordered to take up his Position — Is met by the Enemy — Gallantry of 7th 
Infantry — Dashing Charge of Harney's Brigade — They capture a Hill in the rear 
of Cerro' Gordo — Mount a Battery in the Night — Wonderful Exertions of the men 
— Morning of the ISth of April — Scott's celebrated Order — Position of the Mexi- 
cans — Battle of Cerro Gordo — Storming of the Heights — Operations of Shields's 
Brigade — Shields dangerously wounded — Defeat of the Enemy — Fruits of Victory 
Scott's Despatch to the War Department — Worth enters Puebla .... 321 

CHAPTER XIX. 
Astonishment of the Pueblanos — Appearance of the American Troops — Their 
Characteristics — Embarrassing Position of the General-in-chief — Discharge ol 
the twelve months Volunteers — Prospects of Peace — Mexican Aflair-s — Defiance 
of the Mexican Congress — Proclamation of General SaJas — Anaya dccku'es the 
Capital in a state of Siege — Coalition of the Mexican States — Scott's Address to 
the Mexican People — Feeling of the United States Government — Buchanan's 
Letters — American Commissioner appointed — Mexico refuses to Treat — Con- 
dition of the American Armv — Arrival of Reinforcements 340 



Xll CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XX. 

The American Army concentrated at Puel)]a — Scott determines to advance on the 
Capital — Description of the Route — Twiggs reaches Ayotla — The Divisions close 
up — Rcconnoissanccs upon EI Pcnon — Advance by the National Road abandoned 
— The Army moves round Lake Chalco to the Acapulco Road — Description ot 
the March — Concentration of the Divisions upon the Acapulco Road . . 35:* 

CHAPTER XXI. 
The Defences around Mexico — National Road ; El Pcfion, Mexicalcingo — Aca- 
pulco Road; San Antonio, Churubusco, and Contrcras — Toluca Road; El 
Molino del Rey, Chapultcpec — Interior Defences — Position and Force of the 
Mexicans — Movement of Worth's Division tipon San Antonio — Reconnoissances 
across the Pedrcgal — Twiggs marches upon Contreras — Valencia's Fortifications 
— Indecisive Result of the Day — Smith bivouacs in the Village of Contrcras — 
Perilous Position of our Troops — Victory of Contrcras 362 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Contreras — San Antonio — Worth's Operations on the 20th — Topography of the 
Battlc-Grounds of Contreras, San Antonio, and Churubusco — The Advance on 
Churubusco — Scott's Plan of Battle — Description of the Mexican Defences at 
Churubusco — The Battle commenced — Operations of Twiggs — 'Terrible Position 
of Taylor's Battery — Attack of Shields upon the Mexican Reserve — Bravery of 
the Mexicans — Gallant conduct of the New York and South Carolina Regiments 
— Mexican Defence of San Pablo — The Deserters — San Antonio forced and 
turned by Worth — His advance upon Churubusco — Storm of the Tete-du-Pont — 
Eflcct of Duncan's Battery — Storm and Surrender of San Pablo — The Mexicans 
routed at all Points — Daring Charge of Harney's Dragoons — Result of the Vic- 
tory — Mexican and American Loss 37.5 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

Scott's Note to Santa Anna — The Reply — Armistice — Its questionable Policy — 
Peace Negotiations — Mexican Commission — Boundaries — American Project — 
Mexican Counter- Project— Failure of Negotiations— Infringements of Armistice 
— Warlike temper of the Mexicans- Scott's Letter to Santa Anna — His Answer 
— Trial of the Deserters — Sentence and Execution 38(i 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Hostilities recommenced — Reconnoissances — Valley of Mexico — Defences around 
the City — Description of Chapultcpec — Molino del Rey — Casade Mata — Strength 
of the Mexican Lines — Storm of I\Iolino del Rey — Capture of the Mexican Bat 
tery — Repulse of the Victors — The Battery retaken — Storm of Casa de Mala— 
Terrible Fire of the Mexicans — Mcintosh's Brigade repulsed — Duncan's Bat tor >■ 
— Surrender of Casa de Mata — Mexican Loss — American Loss I. . . . 402 

CHAPTER XXV. 

Defences of tho Southern Gates — Pronounced impracticable — Scott determines lo 
assault Chapultcpec — Formidalile Character of the Works'— Mask Movement 
upon the Southern Gates — Movements of Pillow and Quitman — Tiic Batteries 
opened upon Chapultcpec — Operations of Twiggs on the San Angel Road — As- 



CONTENTS. Xlll 

sault of Chapultcpcc — Its Capture — Wortli's Movement against the Garita ot 
San Cosine — His Success — Tacubaya Causeway crossed by Quitman — Garita 
Belen carried — The City of Mexico taken — Surrender by the Mexican Autiiori- 
ties — Quitman Marclics to the Grand Plaza — American Colours hoisted on the 
National Palace 411 

CHAPTER XXVI. 
Isolated Condition of the American Army — Guerrilla Warfare — Attack on Mcin- 
tosh's Train — Reinforced by Cadwaladcr — Skirmish at the National Bridge — 
Arrival at Jalapa — Battle of La Iloya — Gallantry of Captain Walker — Cadwa- 
lader's Report — Pillow's Reinforcement — General Pierce — Attack on Lally's 
Train — Skirmish at Paso de Ovcjas — At the National Bridge — At Cerro Gordo 
—At Las Animas — Arrival at Jalapa — American Loss 443 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

American Army in Mexico — Quitman appointed Governor — Scott's General Orders 
—A Contribution levied on the Capital — Arrangement of the Troops — 'Difliculties 
of General Scott — Approach of Reinforcements — Establishment of new Posts 
along the line — Peace Prospects — Circumstances favourable to Negotiation — 
Mexican Prisoners — Correspondence between the Archbishop of Mexico and 
General Scott — Arrival of Reinforcements— Assessment of the Mexican States — 
Contemplated Operations — Condition of General Santa Anna — Increase of the 
Peace Party — Election of Herrera — Negotiations — Recall of Scott . . . 457 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Naval Operations in the Gulf of Mexico — Capture of Tuspan — Perry determines 
on the Capture of Tabasco — The Squadron assembled off Tabasco bar — Organi- 
zation of a Flotilla — The ascent of the River — The Flotilla fu-ed upon by a Party 
of Mexicans under General Bruno — The Enemy repulsed — Perry casts anchor at 
the Seven Palms — Divides his force — Assaulted by the Enemy — Debarkation of 
the Naval Army — Hidalgo's breastworks forced — Capture of Fort Iturbide — The 
City surrenders 468 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

Consequences of the Occupation of the Capital — Condition of the Mexican Govern- 
ment — Disorganization of its Army — Santa Anna retires to Guadaloupe Hidalgo 
— Circular of Seiior Alcorta to the Commandants- General — Resignation of the 
Presidency by General Santa Anna — His Letter to the Mexican People — Circu- 
lar of Scnor Pacheco — Reasons for abandoning the Capital — The future intentions 
of the Government developed — Santa Anna sets out for Puebla — Reflections 
upon his Reverses 475 

CHAPTER XXX. 

City of Puebla threatened by General Rea— Situation of the Garrison — Loss of an 
American Detachment — Puebla invested — Summons of General Santa Anna to 
Colonel Childs — His noble Reply — Operations of the Besiegers — General Santa 
Anna leaves the city to intercept General Lane — Successful SortiO from the 
Garrison — The Besiegers Reinforced — Severe Street-fight — Approach of General 
Lane — The Siege raised 489 



XIV CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XXXI. 
Communication with the Coast reopened — Steady increase of Reinforcements from 
the United States — The Guerrilleros driven from their Strongliolds — Advance of 
General Lane — Battle of Iluainantla — Heroism of Captain Walker — Repels tho 
Lancers in repeated charges — Hemmed ih by the Enemy — His during Stratagem 
— His Death — Chivalric Character of Walker — Official Tribute to his Memory — 
Lane marches to Pucbla 4i)"i 

CHAPTER XXXIL 
Battle of Atlixco— Running Fight with the Guerrilleros — Atlixco taken— Expedi- 
tion to Matamoros — Its Capture — Lane returns to Pucbla — Is attacked — Daring 
Bravery of Colonel Hays — Peace Prospects — Anaya elected President — Secret 
E.xpedition to Tchuacan — Escape of General Santa Anna — Orizaba captured — 
Garrisoned 50S 

CHAPTER XXXIIL 

Election of General Hcrrcra — Situation of Public Affairs — Mr. Trist — Assumption 
of Power — Negotiations for Peace opened — Mutual Concessions — Adoption of a 
Treaty of Peace — Sanctioned by tlie IMexican Congress — Treaty amended and 
adopted by the United States Senate — Ratifications exchanged — Evacuation of tiie 
Mexican Capital by the American Forces — Territory acquired by the Treaty — 
Description of the Country — New Mexico — Resources of the Country — Upper 
California — The Sierra Nevada — The Great Basin — Great Salt Lake — Produc- 
tions of the Country — Temperature — The Gold Mines — Valley of the Sacra- 
mento — Nueva Helvetia — Captain Sutter — Discovery of Gold by Sutter — Rich- 
ness of the Deposit — Consequences of the War — Consequences to the United 
States — To the Inhabitants of the Territory acquired — To Mexico — To the 
Countries adjacent — To the Isles of the Pacific 520 

Appendix. — Treaty of Peace 541 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Frontispiece — Portrait of Major- General Zachary Taylor. 

Portrait of General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna Page 2.> 

Portrait of Commodore David Conner 55 

Portrait of Brigadier- General W. J. Worth 7^ 

Portrait of Captain Samuel H. Walker lOS 

Topography of Fort Brown and Matamoros 113 

Plan of the Battle of Palo Alto 12'i 

Battle of Palo Alto and Death of Major Ringgold ]'M 

Portrait of Major Ringgold IS.i 

Plan of the Battle of Resaca de la Palma 13') 

Battle of Resaca de la Palrna 141 

Portrait of Lieutenant-Colonel May 143 

Portrait of Major-Gcneral Robert Patterson 162 

Portrait of Major- General William 0. Butler 165 

Plan of the City of Monterey and its Defences 174 

Portrait of Lieutenant-Colonel Wm. H. Watson ITS 

General Ampudia signing the Capitulation of Monterey 18S 

Portrait of Brigadier- General John E. Wool 199 

Plan of the Battle of Buena Vista 20S 

Battle of Buena Vista 214 

Portrait of Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Clay, Jr. 221 

Plan of the Battle of San Pasqual 253 

Plan of the Battle of Los Angelos 25S 

Plan of the Battle of Sacramento 276 

Portrait of Major-General Winheld Scott 2!)! 

Portrait of Commodore M. C. Perry 302 

Surrender of the City of Vera Cruz 31'> 

Plan of the Defences of Cerro Gordo 322 

Portrait of Brigadier-General Twiggs 327 

Storming of Cerro Gordo 330 

Portrait of Brigadier-General Shields 332 

Portrait of Brigadier-General Pillow 337 

View of the City of Jalapa 33'J 

3 (15) 



Xvi ILLUSTRATIONS. 

J»ortraitof Brigadier- General Pierce Page 352 

ftlap of the Valley of Mexico 357 

Storming of Contreras 369 

Portrait of Brigadier- General Smith 374 

Storming of Churubusco . . 383 

Plan of the Battles around the City of Mexico - - 403 

Storming of Molino del Rcy - - - 407 

Plan of Chapultepec ; 416 

Storming of Chapultepec 420 

View of the City of Mexico 424 

Portrait of General Quitman 435 

Portrait of Brigadier-General Cadwalader 448 

Portrait of Brigadier- General Childs 494 

Map of Upper and Lower California 523 



IIISTOllY OF THE MEXICAN ^y^Vx. 



CHAPTER I. 

Causes of the Mexican War — Revolution of the Hispano-Amcrican Provinces 
— Consequent irregularities — Neutrality of the United States — V'iolationsof it by 
Mexico — Forbearance of the United States — Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and 
Navigation — Revolt of Texas — Neutrality of the United States — Troops under 
General Gaines — Conduct of M. Gorostiza, the Mexican Minister. 

While in every war the civil authority of the country in which 
it is carried on, will be, to some extent, subordinate to the mili- 
tary power, it is an aggravation of the unnatural character of a 
civil war, that the disregard of law is general, and that the rights 
of persons and property, being without any adequate security, an- 
liable to continual molestation. The overthrow of the existing 
government of a country, or resistance to its authority, with the 
excitement and confusion incident to the struggles of antagonistic 
factions for ascendancy, all tend directly to produce a lawless and 
aggressive spirit, which is hostile to personal liberty, while tin- 
wasting of the public resources of the country by the doubk' 
exactions of intestine war, give rise to those pressing necessities 
which are often supplied by the forcible impressment and ajijuo- 
priation of private property. 

This was exemplied in the struggles of the ditlercnt Hispano- 
American countries for independence. The people were continu- 
ally sul)jectcd to seizure of their property either by the republicans 
or monarchists, just as one party or the other happened to prevail, 
and was in want of necessary funds. 



6 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Nor in their eflbrts to raise means to support the contest in 
which they were engaged, did tliey evince much more respect for 
the law of nations than they did for the laws of their own country ; 
the property belonging to citizens of a neutral power, was appropri- 
ated to their own use, without scruple or reserve, whenever it was 
necessary to their purpose. Although, during the protracted 
struggle between Spain and her revolted colonies, the most per- 
fact neutrality was observed by the government of the United 
States, this impartial course did not shield her from the depreda- 
tions of both the belligerents. An extract from the first annual 
message of President Monroe, in 1817, will exhibit the aggressive 
conduct of the contending parties, and the just and liberal policy 
of the United States towards both .— 

" It was anticipated, at an early stage, that the contest between 
Spain and the colonies would become highly interesting to the 
United States. It was natural that our citizens should sympathize 
in events which affected their neighbours. It seemed probable, 
also, that the prosecution of the conflict, along our coasts and in 
contiguous countries, would occasionally interrupt our commerce, 
and otherwise affect the persons and property of our citizens. 
These anticipations have been realized. Such injuries have been 
received from persons acting under the authority of both the par- 
ties; and, for which, redress has in most instances been withheld. 
Through every stage of the conflict, the United States have main- 
tained an impartial neutrality, giving aid to neither of the parties 
in men, money, ships, or munitions of war. They have regarded 
the contest not in the light of an ordinary insurrection or rebellion, 
but as a civil war between parties nearly equal, having, as to neu- 
tral powers, equal rights. Our ports have been open to both, and 
every article, the fruit of our soil or of the industry of our citizens, 
which either was permitted to take, has been equally free to the 
other. Should the colonies establish their independence, it is 
proper now to state, that tliis government neither seeks nor would 
accept from them any advantage in commerce or otherwise, 



VIOLATIONS OF NEUTRALITV. 7 

which will not be equally open to all other nations. The colonies 
will, in that event, become independent states, free from any obli- 
gation to, or connexion wiUi us, which it may not then be their 
interest to form on the basis of a fair reciprocity." 

The property of American citizens, resident in the Spanish 
colonies, was often impressed, and merchandise protected by the 
American flag was confiscated under a pretended violation of 
blockades of extensive coasts ; which, considering the small force 
employed to sustain them, were merely declaratory, and had not 
the slightest foundation in any acknowledged principle of inter- 
national law on which to rest their pretensions. So outrageous 
were some of these spoliations in their character, that the same 
President in a subsequent message designated them as " piratical 
practices," and asserted it was " incumbent on the United States 
to claim of each, with equal rigour, the faithful observance of the 
well-known law of nations." 

In the case of all these injuries, much allowance was generously 
made by the United States government, in consideration of the 
distracted condition of the several countries during a period of 
civil war, and the difficulties attending an enforcement of any 
laws, either civil or international. Mexico, our immediate neigh- 
bour, like the other Spanish-American countries, had applied the 
appropriating code to the property of American resident citizens, 
and had been guilty of sundry violations of the American flag. 
Redress of grievances was not immediately demanded for these 
repeated violations of our neutrality, in the hope that, after Mexico 
had established her independence, a more just policy would pre- 
vail, at least towards the United States, which had been the first 
power to recognise her nationality. 

And when, contrary to all reasonable expectation, the impress- 
ment of the property of our citizens, and spoliations on our com- 
merce, were continued, the United States, evincing more than the 
courtesy which is due to nations, still exhibited a magnanimous 
forbearance towards a sister republic, just coming into existence. 



HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 



and was unwilling to demand redress with that promptitude 
which the magnitude of tlie injuries would have justified. 

This magnanimous forbearance was mistaken for weakness, 
and Mexico therefore continued her unjust and aggressive policy. 
In 1828 a treaty of commerce and boundaries was negotiated 
between the two republics, but the ratification of that instrument 
was delayed by the government of Mexico upon the most trifling 
pretexts. In 1829, President Jackson, in his annual message, 
complained that the Mexican government still failed to ratify this 
"treaty negotiated and concluded in its own capital and under 
its own eye." This delay was the more vexatious, on account of 
the uncertainty of the boundary line, and the consequent acts of 
certain claimants under Mexican grants of territory, which had 
been under the jurisdiction of the United States. The same year, 
Mexico assumed an overbearing tone towards the United States, 
and requested the recall of our resident minister, Mr. Poinsett. 

On the 5th of April, 1831, a treaty of amity, commerce, and 
navigation was concluded between the two republics, and ratified 
some time after. A convention was also agreed upon between 
the two powers, for the appointment of commissioners to make 
a demarcation of boundaries between the two countries, but 
Mexico did not observe the stipulations. She even permitted the 
time fixed, by the treaty of limits with the United States, for the 
meeting of the commissioners to define the boundaries, to expire 
without appointing any commissioners whatever, — all the de- 
rangements incidental to an undefined boundary, in the mean 
time, jeoparding the protection and quiet of citizens resident 
upon the border. 

After the conclusion of the treaty of amity, commerce, and 
navigation, in 1831, it was hoped that Mexico would observe a 
just and friendly policy towards the United States ; but, instead 
of redressing, or even acknowledging the former injuries which 
she had committed, in violation of the solemn obligations of the 
late treaty, she was guilty of new outrages, not only upon indi- 



REVOLT OF TEXAS. g 

vidual citizens of the United States, but upon her flag, and upon 
the persons of her consuls and other agents and officers of the 
government, as we will more particularly show hereafter. 

In the mean time new causes arose, which widened the breach 
between the two governments. Texas, a department of Mexico, 
settled to a considerable extent by emigrants from the United 
States, being absolved from its allegiance to Mexico by the entire 
overthrow of the constitution, and the tyranny of the Central 
go\'ernment, refused to acknowledge any longer the Mexican 
rule, and raised the standard of revolt. In her heroic struggle 
for independence, she continually received subsidies of men, 
money, and munitions of war, from the people of the United 
States, which gave great offence to the Mexican government. 

It was perfectly natural that the citizens of the United States 
would feel a sti'ong sympathy with a people struggling for liberty, 
and endeared to them by kindred ties ; and that they would give 
them such aid as was in their power. The Mexican people, 
however, failed to discriminate, as they should have done, be- 
tween the people and the government of the United States, the 
latter of which determined to preserve that exact neutrality which 
was due to the two contending powers. If individual citizens did 
violate the neutrality of the United States, by supplying Texas 
with arms, ammunition, and troops, it is no reflection upon the 
government, which took all due means to prevent it, as will ap- 
pear from the following circular from the Department of State, 
addressed to the United States District Attorneys, resident in the 
principal cities of the Unfon : — 

"Washington, Nov. 4, 1835. 

<< Sir : It has become necessary for me to call your attention to 

the probable event of a contest between the different portions of 

the Mexican empire in the vicinity of the United States. Some 

of our citizens may, from their connexion with the settlers there, 



10 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

and from their enterprise and love of change, be induced to forget 
their duty to their own government, and its obligations to foreign 
powers ; but it is the fixed determination of the Executive faith- 
fully to discharge, so far as its power extends, all the obligations 
of the government, and more especially that which requires that 
we shall abstain, under every temptation, from intermeddling with 
the domestic disputes of other nations. 

" You are, therefore, earnestly enjoined, should the contest 
begin, to be attentive to all movements of a hostile character 
which may be contemplated or attempted within your district, 
and to prosecute, without discrimination, all violations of those 
laws of the United States, which have been enacted for the pur- 
pose of preserving peace, and of fulfilling the obligations of 
treaties with foreign powers. 

"I am, sir, your obedient servant, 

JOHN FORSYTH." 

Notwithstanding the efforts of the government of the United 
States, to prevent her citizens from taking part ifi the contest be- 
tween Mexico and Texas, many joined the standard of the latter, 
and furnished supplies of arms and ammunition. In addition to 
this, a portion of the United States troops, under General Gaines, 
advanced into the territory of Texas as far as Nacogdoches, which 
gave great offence to the other contending power. The President 
of the United States had stationed these troops upon the frontier, 
deeming it proper, while observing a strict neutrality himself, to 
require both the contending parties to respect his neutrality ; and 
to prevent the employment of the Indians in the contest, which 
might cause incursions into the territories of the United States. 
The following extract from a letter of General Gaines, presents 
the reasons which, in his opinion, justified his advance into the 
Texan territory : — 

" The .33(1 article of the treaty with Mexico requires botli the 
contracting parties to prevent ' by force, all liQStilities and incur- 



TROOPS UNDER GENERAL GAINES. 11 

sions on the part of the Indian nations living within their respec- 
tive boundaries, so that the United States of America will not 
suffer Indians to attack the citizens of the Mexican States,' &c. 

" The provisions of this article, I am particularly instructed to 
cause to be enforced ; and I have, pursuant to instructions, taken 
measures to make known to the various Indian tribes inhabiting 
that portion of the United States bordering upon the Mexican ter- 
ritory, on the waters of the Red and Arkansas rivers, the deter- 
mination of the government to prevent any hostile incursions into 
Texas, and have directed that the chiefs be called upon to incul- 
cate upon their people the necessity of carefully abstaining from 
any violation of the above-mentioned engagements, 

" I have learned, from several of our citizens entitled to credit, 
that one Manuel Flores, a Mexican Spaniard, but for several 
years past a citizen of Spanish Town in this state, near the Sabine 
Ridge, has been lately commissioned by persons professing to act 
by the authority of the Mexican government, for the purpose of 
enticing the Indians in the western prairies on our side of the 
boundary line to join them in the war of extermination now waging 
in Texas ; and that with this view, the agent, Manuel Flores, 
accompanied by a stranger, has lately passed up the valley of the 
Red river, and has already produced considerable excitement 
among the Caddo Indians. And I have very recently learned, 
from several intelligent persons in Texas, and others who have 
lately been there, that many of our Indians have gone over to the 
Texas side of the line. 

" These facts and circumstances present to me this most im- 
portant question, whether I am to sit still and suffer these move- 
ments to be so far matxired as to place the white settlements on 
both sides of the line wholly within the power of the savages, or 
whether I ought not instantly to prepare the means for protecting 
the frontier settlements ; and if necessary, compelling the Indians 
to return to their own homes and huntinjj-ffrounds ' 



12 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

" I cannot but decide in favour of the last alternative which 
this question presents ; for nothing can be more evident than that 
an Indian war, commencing on either side of the line, will as 
s-urely extend to both sides, as that a lighted quick match thrust 
into one side of a powder magazine would extend the explosion 
to both sides." 

Mr. Gorostiza, the Mexican Minister, protested against the 
advance of the troops under General Gaines, as a positive viola- 
tion of the Mexican territory ; a long and somewhat angry corres- 
pondence ensued, in which Mr. Gorostiza at length demanded 
peremptorily the recall of the troops under General Gaines, and 
failing to effect his desire in that particular, on the 15th of Octo- 
ber, 1836, abruptly terminated his mission to the United States, 
and returned home. 

Before doing so, however, he adopted a course unexampled in 
the history of diplomacy, and highly indecorous to the govern- 
ment of the United States. On his own responsibility he issued 
a pamphlet containing portions of his correspondence with the 
American Secretary of State, and extracts from his letters to his 
own government — with an introduction to the whole, containing 
statements and comments defamatory of the people and govern- 
ment of the United States. This pamphlet was sent to editors of 
newspapers known generally to be unfavourable to the adminis- 
tration, and to the diplomatic agents accredited to the United 
States government. 

The President felt himself greatly aggrieved by this extraordi- 
nary and disrespectful conduct, especially after the long forbear- 
ance that had been exercised towards the Mexican government, 
which still refused not only to redress, but even to acknowledge 
the many injuries and insults which had been offered to the per- 
sons and property of our citizens, to the American flag, and to 
the <lignity of our consuls and other officers. 



CHAPTER II. 

Injuries and Insults offered by Mexico— Outrages on the Persons and Property of 
American Citizens — Insults to the American Flag — Application of Texas for the 
recognition of her Nationahty — Just and candid Policy of General Jackson— Re- 
cognition of Texas — Refusal of Mexico to redress or even admit the Injuries 
committed against the United States — Jackson's special Message — Action of 
Congress — Special Messenger despatched — Promises of redress — Neglect of 
Mexico to perform her Promises — Renewal of Negotiations — Convention for the 
Settlement of Claims— Procrastination and Evasion of Mexico — Failure of 
Mexico to comply with the Stipulations. 

After the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation, con- 
cluded in 1831, it was hoped that Mexico would observe a just 
and friendly policy towards our country ; but, in violation of the 
most solemn articles, she committed outrages not only upon indi- 
vidual citizens of the United States, but upon her flag, and the 
persons of her consuls and other officers. The following list of 
grievances, as enumerated in a letter of July 20th, 1836, from the 
Department of State to Powhattan Ellis, our Charg^ d'Aflfaires in 
Mexico, will exhibit the outrages of Mexico, and the unexampled 
forbearance of the United States. 

On the 31st of December, 1831, an alcalde of Menotillan, in 
the colony of Guazcualco, instituted what is said to have been an 
illegal, arbitrary, and oppressive proceeding against Doctor Bald- 
win, a citizen of the United States, under colour of a suit at law, 
preferred and carried on by a creature of the alcalde himself. 
Baldwin appeared before the alcalde to answer the charge ; an 
altercation ensued, and the alcalde ordered him to the stocks, 

13 



14 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

which Bakhvin refusing to submit to, attempted to escape, and 
was pursued by a party of soldiers who attended the court. In 
the race Baldwin fell, receiving an injury in one of his legs ; was 
captured, carried back into the presence of the alcalde, placed in 
the stocks, and afterwards imprisoned. 

In February 1832, the schooner Topaz, of Bangor, Maine, was 
employed by the Mexican government to carry troops from Mata- 
moros to Galveston Bay. The master and mate were murdered 
by the soldiers on the passage, the crew imprisoned, and the ves- 
sel seized and converted to the Mexican service. 

On the 21st of June, 1832, the American schooner Brazoria 
was seized in the port of Brazoria, by John Austin, the Mexican 
military commandant in that quarter, and employed to make an 
attack upon Anahuac, then in possession of insurgents. During 
the attack she was injured so as to be made unseaworthy, and 
was abandoned as a total loss, for which the underwriters have 
received no compensation. 

In the summer of 1832, the steamboat Hidalgo, and schooner 
Consolation, belonging to Aaron Leggett, of New York, were for- 
cibly taken possession of by Mexican officers at Tobasco, and 
used by them. The brig John, belonging to Leggett, was also 
detained, and money was extorted from him. The consequences 
resulting from these acts are represented to have been ruinous to 
the sufferer, and the Mexican government was clearly bound by 
the treaty to indemnify him for them. 

In March 1834, Captain McCeige, of the schooner Industry, 
of Mobile, was imprisoned at Tobasco, and an exorbitant fine 
demanded of him without cause. The payment of the fine being 
made, the only condition upon which he could be allowed to de- 
]iai-t, he aljandoned his vessel and her cargo to the authorities, 
who afterwards sold them. 

In the summer of 1834, the brig Paragon, of New York, was 
causelessly fired into on her way to Vera Cruz, by the Mexican 



INSULTS TO THE AMERICAN FLAG. 15 

public-armed schooner Tampico. In answer to an oilicial repre- 
sentation on the subject by Mr. Butler, that government promised 
that the affair should be inquired into ; but the promise was not 
fulfilled. 

In the beginning of May 1835, the answer of officers supposed 
to belong to the custom-house, who boarded the brig Ophir, of 
New York, on her arrival at Campeachy, to an inquiry of the 
captain as to which of the ship's papers it would be necessary to 
present at the custom-house, was accidentally, or intentionally, 
misrepresented. In consequence of this, notwithstanding all the 
papers w'ere shown to the boarding officers, the invoices only 
being exhibited at the custom-house, the vessel was seized and 
condemned. 

In May 1835, also, the schooner Martha, from New Orleans, 
was seized at Galveston Bay, by the Mexican armed schooner 
Montezuma, for an alleged non-compliance with some of the for- 
malities of their revenue laws. Four of the passengers of the 
Martha were put in irons, under the hatches of the Montezuma, 
and otherwise treated with great barbarity, merely for an imputed 
intention to use their firearms against a guard that had been 
placed on board the Martha. 

In November 1835, the schooner Hannah and Elizabeth, of 
New Orleans, was stranded in attempting to enter Matagorda 
Bay. While in this condition, she was fired into by the Mexican 
armed schooner Bravo, boarded by twenty armed soldiers, under 
the command of two officers, w'ho forcibly took the master, crew, 
and passengers from the wreck, pillaged them of most of their 
clothes, and chained them in the hold of the Bravo until their 
arrival at Matamoros, where they were continued in confinement ; 
but through the urgent representations of our consul there, all but 
the captain were eventually released, who was kept a long time 
in confinement. 

On the 17th of February, 1836, William Hallett and Zalmon 



16 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Hull, citizens of the United States, were arrested in the streets 
of Matanioros by a party of armed soldiers, who struck Hull in 
the face with a sword, and forcibly took both to the principal bar- 
rack in that city, where they were confined upon suspicion of 
being about to proceed to Texas. Shortly afterwards, sentinels 
were placed at the doors of the consul's residence, under false 
pretences, and all communication with the house prohibited. 
Armed soldiers broke open his gate during his absence, forcibly 
took a mare and two mules belonging to him, entered his house 
with drawn swords, and searched every room in it, for the avowed 
object of finding the consul. 

In February 1836, an attempt was made at the city of Mexico 
to take from Mr. W. A. Slocum, protected by a courier's pass- 
port from the United States Department of State, public despatches 
of the United States government, addressed to Mr. Butler. The 
attempt failed, but Mr. Slocum was fined and detained, for car- 
rying official letters on his person, authenticated by the endorse- 
ment of the American Department of State, and directed to the 
Charge d'Affaires of the United States in Mexico. 

In March 1836, the schooner Eclipse was detained at Tobasco, 
and her master and crew maltreated by the authorities. 

In April 1836, the brig Jane, schooner Compeer, and other 
merchant vessels of the United States, were forcibly detained at 
Matamoros. 

The same year, the military commandant of Tampico made 
the embargo a pretext for interrupting or obstructing the corres- 
pondence between the commander of the United States revenue 
cutter Jefferson and our consul there. When the Jefferson 
anchored off' the port of Tampico, direct from Pensacola, being 
sent out by order of Commodore Dallas — Lieutenant Osborn and 
his boats' crew upon going on shore were seized and imprisoned, 
and the vessel proliibitcd from entering the river. A demand for 
satisfaction was made by tlie American Consul, but was indig- 



CANDID POLICY OF GENERAL JACKSON. 17 

nantly refused. Some time after, the commandant was displaced 
on representation of our government, but he was speedily restored 
to a higher office on the same coast. 

In the mean time, Texas, which, since the battle of San Jacinto, 
had not been molested by Mexico, pressed upon the American 
government its recognition as an independent nation ; but Presi- 
dent Jackson, although wounded by the conduct of the Mexican 
government, with that strong sense of justice and honour for 
which he was distinguished, in his special message to Congress 
of December 21st, 1836, advised that the United States should 
delay to recognise its nationality until the independence of Texas 
was indisputably established, that the policy of his country might 
be above all suspicion. 

" The title of Texas to the territory she claims is identified 
with her independence ; she asks us to acknowledge that title to 
the territory, with an avowed design to treat immediately of its 
transfer to the United States. It becomes us to beware of a too 
early movement, as it might subject us, however unjustly, to tlu' 
imputation of seeking to establish the claim of our neighbours to 
a territory, with a view to its subsequent acquisition by ourselves. 

" Prudence, therefore, seems to dictate that we should still 
stand aloof, and maintain our present attitude, if not until Mexico 
itself, or one of the great foreign powers, shall recognise the inde- 
pendence of the new government, at least until the lapse of time, 
or the course of events shall have proved, beyond cavil or dis- 
pute, the ability of the people of that country to maintain their 
separate sovereignty, and to uphold the government constituted 
by them. 

" Neither of the contending parties can justly complain of this 
course. By pursuing it, we are but carrying out the long-estab- 
lished policy of our government — a policy which has secured to 
us respect and influence abroad, and inspired confidence at 
home." 



18 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Some time before this, to prevent any hasty action in the case 
of Texas, the President had sent a confidential agent to ascertain 
the civil, political, and military condition of the country. 

On the acknowledgment of the independence of Texas, some 
time after, by the United States, the Mexican Minister of Foreign 
Affairs protested against the matter in the most solemn manner, 
and in a way calculated to do violence to the feelings of the go- 
vernment and people of the United States. In the interim, the 
representations of our Charge d'Affaires in Mexico, in relation to 
the grave complaints which the United States made against the 
government of that country, had been entirely disregarded. 
Wherefore, the President, in carrying out his candid policy " to 
ask for nothing which was not clearly right, and to submit to 
nothing that was wrong," finding he could effect nothing with the 
Mexican government, called the attention of Congress to the diffi- 
culty in a special message of February 6th, 1837, from which we 
make the following extracts : — 

" The length of time since some of the injuries have been com- 
mitted, the repeated and unavailing applications for redress, the 
wanton character of some of the outrages upon the persons and 
property of our citizens, upon the officers and flag of the United 
States, independent of recent insults to this government and peo- 
ple, by the late Extraordinary Mexican Minister, would justify, in 
the eyes of all nations, immediate war. 

'< That remedy, however, should not be used by just and gene- 
rous nations, confiding in their strength for injuries committed, if 
it can be honourably avoided ; and it has occurred to me that, con- 
sidering the present embarrassed condition of that country, we 
should act with both wisdom and moderation, by giving to Mexico 
one more opportunity of atoning for the past, before we take re- 
dress into our own hands. To avoid all misconception on the 
part of Mexico, as well as to protect our national character from 
reproach, this opportunity should be given with the avowed design 



ACTION OF CONGRESS. 19 

and full preparation to take immediate satisfaction, if it should 
not be obtained on a repetition of the demand for it. To this end, 
I recommend that an act be passed authorizing reprisals, and the 
use of the naval force of the United States, by the Executive, 
against Mexico, to force them, in the event of a refusal by the 
Mexican government, to come to an amicable adjustment of the 
matters in controversy between us, upon another demand thereof 
made from on board of one of our vessels of war on the coast of 
Mexico." 

The President was entirely sustained by both houses of Con- 
gress in his views of the flagrant outrages committed by Mexico, 
as well as in the plan of redress ; but it was recommended that 
she should have another opportunity to atone for her past miscon- 
duct. In this, strict adherence was had to the 34th article of the 
treaty with Mexico, which provided that — " If any of the articles 
contained in the present treaty shall be violated or infracted in 
any manner whatever, it is stipulated that neither of the contract- 
ing parties will order or authorize any acts of reprisal, nor declare 
war against the other, on complaint of injuries or damages, until 
the said party considering itself offended shall first have presented 
to the other a statement of such injuries or damages, verified by 
competent proofs, and demanded justice and satisfaction, and the 
same shall have been either refused or unreasonably delayed." 

In the House of Representatives, the report of the Committee 
on Foreign Affairs contained the following paragraph : — 

" The committee fully concur with the President that ample 
cause exists for taking redress into our own hands, and believe 
that we should be justified, in the opinion of other nations, for 
taking such a step. But they are willing to try the experiment 
of another demand, made in the most solemn form, upon the jus- 
tice of the Mexican government, before any further proceedings 
are adopted." 
5 



20 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

The report of the similar committee in the Senate contained 
the following : — 

" After such a demand, should prompt justice be refused by 
the Mexican government, we may appeal to all nations not only 
for the equity and moderation with which we shall have acted 
towards a sister republic, but for the necessity which will then 
compel us to seek redress for our wrongs, either by actual war or 
by reprisals. The subject will then be presented before Congress, 
at the commencement of the next session, in a clear and distinct 
form ; and the committee cannot doubt but that such measures 
will be immediately adopted as may be necessary to vindicate the 
honour of our country, and insure ample reparation to our injured 
citizens." 

Pursuant to these recommendations, the President despatched 
a special messenger to Mexico to demand satisfaction and re- 
dress, who made the demand accordingly on the 20th of July, 
1837. The government of Mexico replied on the 29th, and gave 
assurances that " nothing should be left undone which may con- 
tribute to the most speedy and equitable determination of the 
subjects which have so seriously engaged the attention of the 
American government." It further promised to "adopt, as the 
only guides of its conduct, the plainest principles of public right, 
the sacred obligations imposed by international law, and the reli- 
gious faith of treaties; and that whatever justice and reason may 
dictate respecting each case will be done." 

How well Mexico adhered to the above pledges, will appear 
from the following extract from the annual message of President 
Van Buren, of December 5th, 1837: — 

" Although the large number, and many of them aggravated 
cases of personal wrongs, have been now for years before the 
Mexican government, and some of the causes of national com- 
plaint, and those of the most offensive character, admitted of im- 
mediate, simple, and satisfactory replies, it is only within a few 



RENEWAL OF NEGOTIATIONS. 21 

days past that any specific communication in answer to your last 
demand, made five months ago, has been received from the 
Mexican Minister. By the report of the Secretary of State, here- 
with presented, and the accompanying documents, it will be seen 
that for not one of our public complaints has satisfaction been 
given or oflered ; that but one of the cases of personal wrong has • 
been favourably considered, and that but four cases of both de- 
scriptions, out of all those formally presented and earnestly 
pressed, have as yet been decided upon by the Mexican govern- 
ment. * * * In accordance with the clearly-understood wishes 
of the legislature, another and formal demand for satisfaction has 
been made upon the Mexican government, with what success the 
documents now communicated will show. On a careful and delibe- 
rative examination of the contents, and considering the spirit 
manifested by the Mexican government, it has become my pain- 
ful duty to return the subject, as it now stands, to Congress, to 
whom it belongs to decide upon the time, the mode, and the 
measures of redress." 

Instead, now, of war or reprisals, Congress generously forbore 
to redress her wrongs in the case of a sister republic ; and nego- 
tiations were renewed between the countries. After a year's 
delay, the convention of April 11th, 1839, was agreed upon "for 
the adjustment of claims of citizens of the United States of Ame- 
rica upon the government of the Mexican republic." The joint 
board of commissioners to examine and decide upon these claims 
met in August 1840, and the four first months were spent in frivo- 
lous points raised by the Mexican commissioners. The examina- 
tion of claims, in consequence, did not commence till December 
1840, though the time of session of the convention was limiterl to 
but eighteen months. When the time expired, in 1842, the 
claims allowed amounted to two million twenty-six thousand 
one hundred and thirty-nine dollars and sixty-eight cents. Before 
the umpire between the commissioners of the two countries, and 



22 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

undecided for want of time, were claims amounting to nine hun- 
dred and twenty-eight thousand six hundred and twenty-seven 
dollars and eighty-five cents ; while still other claims submitted 
to the board, amounting to three million three hundred and thirty- 
six thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven dollars and five 
cents, were not examined at all for want of time. The two mil- 
lion twenty-six thousand one hundred and thirty-nine dollars 
and sixty-eight cents, were not paid by Mexico, according to 
stipulation, and a postponement of the time of payment was 
granted to Mexico at her request, in the spirit of forbearance that 
had always actuated the American government. 

A second convention was concluded on the 30th of January, 
1843, which was declared to be " entered into for the accommoda- 
tion of Mexico." This stipulated that Mexico should pay on the 
30th of April, 1843, the interest then due on the awards of the 
cortvention of the 11th of April, 1839; and that she should pay in 
five years, in equal instalments every three months, the principal 
of the awards, and the interest accruing thereon. Of the sum 
thus acknowledged for acts of outrage and wrong committed 
upon the citizens of the United States, and secured by the solemn 
obligations of a treaty, Mexico paid only the interest due on the 
30th of April, 1843, and three of the twenty instalments of the 
}irincipal. Nor was this all. To provide for a liquidation of the 
claims not decided upon by the convention of April 1839, it was 
stipulated by the sixth article of the convention of the 30th of 
January, 1843, that a new convention should be entered into for 
the settlement of these claims. A third convention was accord- 
ingly concluded on the 20th of November, 1843, and ratified by 
the United States Senate in January 1844, with two amendments, 
manifestly reasonable. On referring these amendments to the 
government of Mexico, she was guilty of delays and evasions, in 
violation of the faith of treaties; and, though the subject was 
earnestly pressed upon her, she would not give an answer whether 



LETTER TO MR. SLIDELL. 23 

she would or would not accede to the amendments, but preserved 
a gloomy and sullen silence. 

It is but just, however, to state that an effort was made to pay 
our admitted claims, which fell through, partly in consequence 
of the anticipated annexation of Texas. This will appear from 
an extract from the letter of Mr. Voss to Mr. Slidell : — 

"For the avowed purpose of liquidating the recognised Ame- 
rican claims. General Santa Anna, the head of the Mexican go- 
vernment, in May 1843, decreed the collection of a forced loan, 
to be distributed in certain proportions through the departments 
of this Republic, and paid at periods corresponding to those stipu- 
lated in the convention to that effect w^ith the government of the 
United States. This measure, essentially unpopular, could only 
have emanated from a government as absolute as that of Santa 
Anna then was, and, even with the aid of his unlimited powers, 
was very imperfectly enforced, while the temptation to a misap- 
plication of the funds collected amidst the difficulties by which 
Santa Anna was surrounded is sufficiently obvious. From these 
concurring circumstances, the Mexican government was abso- 
lutely unable to pay the instalment which became due in April 
1844 ; and in July of the same year, when another instalment 
should have been paid, the incapacity of the government to fulfil 
its engagements had become still greater. 

" About this time public attention was directed to the Texan 
question with renewed force ; and amidst the angry excitement 
which it occasioned, the press found a popular theme for com- 
plaint in the payment of the American claims, and freely advo- 
cated its discontinuance." 

To show that Mexico had no just right to complain of the con- 
duct either of Texas or of the government of the United States, we 
will consider the circumstances attending the revolt of the former, 
and its annexation to the United States. 



CHAPTER III. 

Early Condition of Texas — Grant to Moses Austin by the Spanisii Authorities- 
Colony led to Texas by Stephen F. Austin in 1821 — Overthrow of the Spanish 
Power in Mexico — Confirmation of the Grant to Austin — Mexican Constitution 
of 1824 — Coahuila and Texas provisionally united as a State — Guaranty of 
future State Sovereignty to Texas — Its Political Condition — Election of Pedraza 
as President of Mexico overthrown by the Military Power of Santa Anna — 
Guerrero declared President — Deposition and Death of Guerrero by Bustamente 
— Tyranny of Bustamente — Troops sent to harass Texas — Expelled by the 
Texans — Bustamente overthrown by Santa Anna and Pedraza recalled — Santa 
Anna President — Overthrow of the Constitution and Federal System — A Central 
Government organized — Resistance of the Mexicans — Zacatecas — Butchery of 
the People — Call of a Texan Congress of Consultation — Arrival of General Cos in 
Texas — Resistance of the Texans — Fall of the Mexican Forts — General Cos 
capitulates with his Troops — Declaration of the People of Texas — Provisional 
Government. 

Before 1821, if we except the tribes of savages that wandered 
over its wastes, Texas contained few inhabitants. These gen- 
erally were Americans, settled, for the most part, in and around 
the towns of San Antonio and Nacogdoches — adventurous and 
hardy pioneers, who, with restless enterprise, had pushed their 
fortunes beyond the confines of civilization. 

Bearing with them tlie innate spirit of freedom, they diffused 
abroad the love of liberty among the Spaniards, and contributed 
in no small degree to induce them to throw off their foreign yoke, 
and establish independence. 

On the 17th of January, 1821, Moses Austin, of Connecticut, 
obtained from the Spanish autliorities permission to establish a 
colony in Texas, with many important privileges. He was em- 
powered to introduce into Texas three hundred families, upon a 

24 



EARLY CONDITION OF TEXAS. 25 

specified territory, one hundred miles in breadth on the coast, and 
extending one hundred and fifty miles into the interior. The 
grant allotted to him crossed the rivers Brazos and Colorado, 
and included large tracts east and west of these rivers. By the 
conditions agreed upon between Austin and the Spanish author- 
ities, each family of the settlers was to receive a grant in fee of a 
section of land of the extent of one Spanish league square. The 
colonists were permitted to bring with them all necessary imple- 
ments, and other goods not exceeding the value of two thousand 
dollars, free from any duty, and, for a period of five or six years, 
they were to be exempt from taxes of every kind. 

Before the colony was established the grantee deceased, and 
Stephen F. Austin, his son, who received the grant by bequest, 
led thither a colony of settlers in December 1821. At the outset 
of their career, the colonists endured many hardships, and suf- 
fered many privations, while they were continually harassed by 
the incursions and depredations of the Indians. 

Notwithstanding, they bore up amid their discouragements, and, 
favoured by a mild climate, and cheered by the hope of future 
wealth from the richness and fertility of the soil, continued both 
to labour and to suffer, while they redeemed a home from the 
wilderness and the savage. 

After a period of toil and dangers, during which the colony 
had steadily progressed in importance, the Mexican Revolution 
produced a change of government, and in consequence cast a 
degree of doubt upon the validity of the compact made with the 
elder Austin by the Spanish authorities. To superintend the in- 
terests of his colony, Austin went to Mexico, and after spending 
a year there, he obtained a confirmation of his grant from the 
National Congress of Mexico in August 1823. This revived the 
drooping spirits of the colonists, and reconciled them to their 
new homes, of which they had begun to grow weary. Emigra- 
tion to the country, which had been checked, was now resumed 



26 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

• 

again, with alacrity and confidence, under the naturahzation laws 
of 1823, '24, and '25. 

In 1824, when the Mexican territory was organized into states 
under the constitution which was then adopted, and which pro- 
vided for a political system similar to our own, consisting of a gen- 
eral or national government, and local or state governments, 
Texas, on account of the smallness of its population, w^as united 
with Coahuila, under the name of the state of Coahuila and 
Texas. This union, which was with her own consent, was provi- 
sional, and to continue until she was in a condition to become a 
state herself and assume the necessary powers of government ; in 
the words of the organic act of tlie constituent congress of Mex- 
ico, of tlie 7th of May, 1824, " until Texas possessed the necessary 
elements to form a separate state of herself." Thus was guaran- 
tied to Texas a specific political existence, with all the rights of 
self-government, as an independent state of the Mexican confed- 
eration, as soon as she "possessed the necessary elements." 

During the presidency of Guadaloupe Victoria, the constitution 
and the federal system adopted under it, were considered firmly 
established. The internal government of Texas was similar to 
that of our territories. It was divided into five municipalities, 
each of which chose its own judges, sheriffs, and other officers. 
The selection thus by the people, from their own citizens, of those 
who were to administer law and justice among them, was a secu- 
rity against violence and oppression. Their officers were identi- 
fied with them in views, feelings, and interests. With these 
guaranties for the protection of person and property for the pres- 
ent, and the provision for the future state sovereignty of Texas, 
that country afforded strong inducements for agricultural enter- 
prise to the citizens of the United States, who accordingly emi- 
grated tliither, in expectation of the permanent enjoyment of civil 
institutions like those of their own country. 



DEPOSITION AND DEATH OF GUERRERO. 27 

At the close of Victoria's term of office, in 1828, when Gomez 
Pedraza had been elected president of the republic, Santa Anna, 
with his troops, pronounced in favour of General Guerrero, the 
rejected presidential candidate, and defeated the government 
troops, and thus gave to Mexico the example of prostrating the 
civil by the military powder. Guerrero was, in consequence, 
installed president. Bustamente, who had received the suffrages 
of the friends of Pedraza, was vice-president. Santa Anna, in 
reward of his services, was appointed secretary of war. 

In 1831 Bustamente organized a conspiracy, deposed Guerrero, 
and, under the formalities of a military tribunal, sentenced him 
to be shot, on the 10th of February, 1831. Though Bustamente 
pretended that this zeal was evinced in favour of " Constitutional 
order," he did not recall Pedraza, the rightful president, but, 
sustained by the aristocracy and clergy, who were alarmed at the 
influence of republican institutions on their privileges, he pro- 
ceeded, under the humble title of Vice-President, to establish 
throughout the country a perfect military despotism, in utter dis- 
regard of all constitutional and loyal restraints. The tyrant and 
his military satraps exercised the most absolute sway over the 
life, liberty, and property of his subjects. All freedom of the 
press w'as destroyed. As an instance, in Guadalaxara, the pub- 
lisher of a paper which had given offence to Inclon, the military 
commandant, was seized, his press and types destroyed, and he 
himself, in presence of the governor and state authorities, ordered 
to be shot in three hours. 

Among the early acts of this iniquitous administration, was the 
repeal of the colonization laws in relation to Texas and the 
United States. Emigrants from that republic were forbidden to 
hold land in Mexico ; and by a new construction of law, many 
of the settlers in Texas were to be deprived of their lands, en- 
deared to them by their labours and their sufferings. Troops 
soon after were sent to Texas to harass the people, under the pre- 
6 



28 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

text of aiding the revenue officers. Forts erected for their 
uccommodation at Nacogdoches, Anahuac, and Velasco, soon 
became tlie seats of military tribunals, for mock trials of popular 
and influential citizens, under the vague charges of disaffection 
to the government ; and were made prisons for their incarcera- 
tion, after they were condemned. 

Determined to resist tliis military despotism, the planters 
united, and with such forces as they could raise, in one week 
took the forts at Velasco, Nacogdoches, and Anahuac, and drove 
the enemy from the country. About this time, but without any 
concert of action, the garrison of Vera Cruz declared against 
Bustamente, and invited Santa Anna to assume the command of 
that post. He accepted the offer, and addressed a remonstrance 
to Bustamente, after Avhich he seduced over to his interest large 
bodies of the government troops, and marched upon the capital, 
when Bustamente resigned his power and fled from the country. 
With a seeming regard for " constitutional order," which he had 
violated in 1828, when he deposed Pedraza, Santa Anna now re- 
called to the executive chair that chieftain, whose term of office 
was about to expire. Aware of his popularity, and assured that 
he would be tlie next president, he hazarded nothing, but gained 
much by this show of disinterested action. 

In the beginning of 1833 Santa Anna was elected to the presi- 
dential chair without opposition ; and, from tlie popularity which 
he now enjoyed, as the restorer of the constitution of his country, 
the most sanguine expectations were entertained of a liberal 
execution of the powers of government. The members of the Con- 
gress were regarded as sincere friends of liberty, and the inhabi- 
tants of Texas thought the time favourable to petition the 
government for admission into the Mexican confederacy as a free 
state. 

Their petition set forth, that " Coahuila and Texas were totally 
dissimilar in soil, climate, and productions : that the representa- 




GEN. ANTOIilO LOPEZ DE SAK'TA ANNA. 



SANTA ANNA PRESIDENT. 29 

tives of the former were so much more numerous than tJie latter, 
that all legislation for the benefit of Texas could be only the 
effect of a generous courtesy : that laws happily adapted to the 
one, would on account of the great dissimilarity of their interests 
be ruinous to the other: that Texaswas in continual danger from 
the aggression of the Indian tribes, without any efficient govern- 
ment to protect her in such cases : that the present legislation is 
calculated to exasperate the Indian tribes by withholding their 
rights ; whereas, by doing them justice, valuable auxiliaries might 
be gained, instead of deadly enemies, w^hich should be the policy 
of Texas : that Texas ' possessed the necessary elements for a 
state government, and that for her attachment to the federal con- 
stitution, and to the republic, the petitioners pledged their lives 
and honour.' " 

For tlie above reasons and others, they prayed that Texas might 
be erected into a separate state of the Mexican confederacy, 
agreeably to the decree of the 7th of May, 1824, which annexed 
it provisionally to Coahuila. 

Austin as Commissioner proceeded to Mexico with this petition, 
which he presented to Congress and had referred to a committee. 
He urged its importance upon Congress and the executive, but 
after waiting several months, during which he was unable to get 
the committee to report, to obtain a hearing from Congress, or the 
encouragement of the president, he despaired of success in the 
existing state of affairs. He wrote therefore to the municipal 
authorities of San Antonio, advising the call of a convention to 
organize a state government in Texas, witli the view of rendering 
the action of Congress necessary in their behalf. In consequence 
of this letter, while on his return to Texas, he w'as arrested in 
Coahuila, and imprisoned on a charge of treason. 

The circumstances of the election of Santa Anna, probably 
led him to aspire to the supreme power. Movements of the sol- 
diery in which he w^as implicated soon after his inauguration, 



30 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

evince this disposition on his part. But he was restrained in his 
designs by the Congress, which was libera] in its views and 
actions, and could not be induced to favour his ambitious incli- 
nations. 

During its session the Congress had turned its attention to 
ecclesiastical affairs, and made innovations that alarmed the 
clergy. It was in favour of granting toleration to the different 
religious creeds ; and appropriated to the national treasury some 
of the resources of the church, which it was conceived to hold 
without law or right. This dissatisfaction of the clergy favoured 
tlie sinister designs of Santa Anna, and he soon resolved to ren- 
der himself intlependent of Congress through their instrumentality. 
The clergy, wherever they had influence to dictate their views, 
now procured pronunciamentos which denounced Congress and 
its reforms, but expressed unbounded confidence in the president. 
Backed thus by the priesthood and those whose action they con- 
trolled, Santa Anna, in 1834, dissolved by force the Congress and 
the general council of the nation, and took measures to secure 
the return of a majority of members to the next Congress favour- 
able to his designs. For this purpose the power of the clergy 
was employed, and large bodies of troops were posted to overawe 
the suffrages of the people. 

When this Congress assembled in January 1835, Santa Anna 
in his message plainly intimated that the people were not fitted 
for a free government. He who, in 1823, on the fall of Iturbide, 
in order to forward his selfish views, had proclaimed himself 
" protector of the federal republic," now contrived its destruction. 

Pronunciamentos in favour of a central government were 
eflfeeted among the people by the agency of the president and 
priesthood, when Congress, upon the 3d of October, passed a 
decree abolishing the constitution of 1824, and with it the state 
constitutions and state authorities. The very name of State was 
annihilated. To check the opposition that might arise, large 



OVERTHROW OF THE CONSTITUTION". 31 

forces were quartered in each state under the new governors or 
military prefects who were appointed by the usurper. The cen- 
tral government was in fact a military despotism ; and the Con- 
gress was in the power of the creatures of the usurper, and served 
but to register his decrees. 

If this change of government had been effected by a conven- 
tion of the people, it would have been legal and binding. But it 
was not even the act of a constitutional congress ; for, the usurj^er 
had dissolved by a military order the legitimate Congress while 
one-half of its term remained unexpired, and by a military order, 
under means that prevented the free action of public opinion, had 
procured the election of members in a revolutionary and uncon- 
stitutional manner. 

Opposition to this revolutionary subversion of the government, 
was made by the people in the states of Mexico, Oaxaca, Puebla, 
and Jalisco. The inhabitants of the state of Zacatecas took up 
arms against the government in support of the federal constitu- 
tion, but by a powerful army led by Santa Anna, and the treach- 
ery of that usurper, their efforts were crushed, and the horrid 
butchery of the citizens which followed, cast such a terror over 
the Mexican people, that they submitted to the military govern- 
ment which had been imposed, without further opposition. 

The people of Texas, still attached to the Mexican federal sys- 
tem, and hoping that the Mexican people would rise and restore 
it, determined to call a general congress of consultation for Texas, 
and delegates elected for that purpose were directed to meet on 
the 15th of October. 

Before that period, however, the war had commenced. Gen- 
eral Cos, the governor, or military prefect of Texas, arrived with 
large bodies of troops, and attempted to disarm the inhabitants, 
which disclosed to the Texans the intended re-enactment of the 
bloody drama of Zacatecas, and animated them to a brave resist- 
ance. The repulse of the Mexicans at Gonzales, on the last day 



32 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

of September, the capture of Goliad, the victory at Conception, 
and the capture of Fort Lepanticlan, on the west bank of the 
Nueces, followed in quick succession, and gave confidence to 
the people ; while the storming and capture of San Antonio, the 
last military post held by Mexico, by which General Cos and his 
army capitulated to the commander of the Texan troops, diffused 
the liveliest joy through the state. We copy the first article of 
the capitulation, as it proves even at this time, the sincere desire 
of Texas still to be a member of the Mexican confederation, 
agreeably to the constitution of 1824. It wull also prove the 
faithlessness of Cos, in returning again to the war after being 
paroled : — 

"Article 1st. That General Cos and his officers retire with 
their arras and private property, into the interior of the republic, 
under parole of honour, that they will not in any way oppose the 
re-establishment of tJie federal constitution q/'l824." 

This capitulation took place on the 11th of December, 1835, 
and closed the campaign of that year. 

When the 15th of October came, the time appointed for the 
delegates to assemble in consultation, many were in the ranks of 
the army ; but there was still a quorum, which published a decla- 
ration, in which they expressed their firm adherence to the federal 
constitution of 1824, and the lawful government of the country, 
and proffering their aid to restore them. It was made on the llth 
of November, and was as follows : — 

'< Whereas, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, and other 
military chieftains, have by force of arms overthrown the federal 
institutions of Mexico, and dissolved the social compact which 
existed between Texas and the other members of the Mexican 
confederacy, now the good people of Texas, availing themselves 
of their natural rights, .solemnly declare : 

<■<■ 1st. That they have taken uj) arms in defence of their rights 
and liberties, which were threatened by encroachments of military 



DECLARATION OF THE PEOPLE OF TEXAS. 33 

despots, and in defence of the republican principles of the federal 
constitution of Mexico in 1824. 

" 2d. That Texas is no longer morally or civilly bound by the 
compact of union ; yet, stimulated by the generosity and sympa- 
thy common to a free people, they offer their support and assist- 
ance to such of the members of the Mexican confederacy as will 
take up arms against military despotism. 

" 3d, That they do not acknowledge that the present authorities 
of the nominal Mexican republic have the right to govern within 
the limits of Texas. 

" 4th. That they will not cease to carry on war against the said 
authorities, whilst their troops are within the limits of Texas. 

" 5th. That they hold it to be their right, during the disorgani- 
zation of the federal system, and the reign of despotism, to with- 
draw from the union, to establish an independent government, or 
to adopt such measures as they may deem best calculated to pro- 
tect their rights and liberties ; but that they will continue faith- 
ful to the Mexican government so long as that nation is governed 
by the constitution and laws, that were framed for the govern- 
ment of the political association. 

" 6th. That Texas is responsible for the expenses of her armies 
now in the field. 

" 7th. That the public faith of Texas is pledged for the payment 
of any debts contracted by her agents. 

" 8th. That she will reward, by donations in hand, all who vol- 
unteer their services in her present struggle, and receive them as 
citizens. 

" These declarations we solemnly avow to the world, and call 
God to witness their truth and sincerity, and invoke defeat and 
disgrace upon our heads, should we prove guilty of duplicity." 

It is certainly evident from the above that not Texas, but 
Mexico herself, was the revolutionary party. This will be further 
apparent from the views set forth in a report by Stephen F. Aus- 



34 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

tin to tlie provisional government, on the 30th of November, of 
of which we submit an extract : — 

" That every people have the right to change their government, 
is unquestionable ; but it is equally certain and true, that this 
change, to be morally or politically obligatory, must be effected 
by the free expression of the community, and by legal and con- 
stitutional means ; for otherwise, the stability of governments and 
the rights of the people would be at the mercy of fortunate revo- 
lutionists, of violence, or faction. 

"Admitting, therefore, that a central and despotic, or strong 
government, is best adapted to the education and habits of a por- 
tion of the Mexican people, and that they wish it ; this does not, 
and cannot, give to them the right to dictate, by unconstitutional 
means and force, to the other portion who have equal rights, and 
differ in opinion. 

" Had the change been effected by constitutional means, or had 
a national convention been convened, and every member of the 
confederacy been fairly represented, and a majority agreed to the 
change, it would have placed the matter on different ground ; 
but, even then, it would be monstrous to admit the principle, that 
a majority have the right to destroy the minority, for the reason, 
that self-preservation is superior to political obligations. That 
such a government as is contemplated by the before-mentioned 
decree of the 3d of October, would destroy the people of Texas, 
must be evident to all, when they consider its geographical situa- 
tion, so remote from the contemplated centre of legislation and 
power ; populated as it is, by a people who are so different in 
education, habits, customs, language, and local wants, from all 
the rest of the nation ; and especially when a portion of the cen- 
tral party have manifested \nolent religious and other prejudices 
and jealousies against them. But no national convention was 
convened, and the constitution has been, and now is, violated and 
disregarded. The constitutional authorities of the state of Coahuila 



PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT. 35 

and Texas solemnly protested against the change of government, 
for which act they were driven by military force from office, and 
imprisoned. The people of Texas protested against it, as they 
had a right to do, for which they have been declared rebels by the 
government of Mexico. 

" However necessary, then, the basis established by the decree 
of the 3d of October, may be to prevent civil wars and anarchy 
in other parts of Mexico, it is attempted to be effected by force 
and unconstitutional means. However beneficial it may be to 
some parts of Mexico, it would be ruinous to Texas. This view 
presents the whole subject to the people. If they submit to a 
forcible and unconstitutional destruction of the social compact, 
which they have sworn to support, they violate their oaths. If 
they submit to be tamely destroyed, they disregard their duty to 
themselves, and violate the first law which God stamped upon 
the heart of man, civilized or savage ; which is the law of the 
right of self-preservation. 

" The decree of the 3d of October, therefore, if carried into 
effect, evidently leaves no remedy for Texas but resistance, seces- 
sion from Mexico, and a direct resort to natural rights." 

The members of the Consultation, after sundry acts calculated 
to meet the exigencies of the times, organized a provisional gov- 
ernment, which consisted of a governor, lieutenant-governor, and 
general council. The council was composed of one member 
from each district represented in the Consultation. The pro- 
visional government went into operation on the 14th of Novem- 
ber, and was to continue in force till the following March. It 
was made thus temporary, in order to await the action and co-opera- 
tion of the other states, should they make an effort to restore the 
constitution of the country, and its legitimate political system. 

In organization of the provisional government, Henry Smith 
was chosen governor, James W. Robinson, lieutenant-governor, 
and General Samuel Houston, commander-in-chief. 
7 



CHAPTER IV. 

Rumours of Invasion — Want of Preparation by the Tcxans — Convention of the 
People — Intelligence of the Advance of the Mexican Army — Declaration of In- 
dependence — Constitution in conformity to it — General Houston's Orders — 
Lorenzo do Zavala, the Refugee — Advance of the Mexican Army — Urea marches 
on Goliad — Santa Anna marches on San Antonio — Colonel Travis in the Alamo 
— Besieged by General Siesma — Arrival of Santa Anna and Fall of the Alamo — 
Surrender of Colonel Fannin at Goliad — IMassacre of the Prisoners after Capitu- 
lation — Policy of General Houston — Battle of San Jacinto — Complete Victory — 
Capture of Santa Anna — Texan Independence established. 

During the winter, owing to the remoteness of the capital, 
and the variance of the two countries, the Texans had but little 
information respecting the intentions of Mexico. Frequent ru- 
mours, however, came, that Santa Anna contemplated an invasion. 
It was even said, that he was on his march, and alarm and pre- 
paration to meet him followed the annunciation. But, as the 
accounts proved unfounded, a sense of security and indifference 
fulled them to sleep, and in consequence, nearly all their forces 
were disbanded, when the Texans were startled by the intelli- 
gence that Santa Anna, at the head of ten thousand men, the 
choicest of his troops, had already entered the country, with the 
declared intention, if he found resistance, to spare neither age 
nor sex, but to make the country an utter desolation. 

This intelligence, with that of the siege of San Antonio de 
Bexar, reached Washington on the 2d of March. A convention 
of the people was in session at that place, to provide for the exi- 
gencies of the time, as the period of the provisional government 
was about to expire, and decree the independence of the country 

30 



DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 37 

if it were deemed expedient. Cominced now, that nothing was 
to be expected from a change in the political system of Mexico, 
and preferring death to a state of slavery, the delegates, in full 
view of the terrible struggle that was before them, resolved to 
dissolve all connexion with Mexico whatever, and published to 
the world the following charter of freedom, upon the same day 
on which they learned the advance of the Mexican chief, and the 
siege of San Antonio de Bexar. 

^^Uiianimous Declaration of Independence, by the delegates of the 
people of Texas, in general convention, at tlie town of Washing- 
ton, on the 2d day of March, 1836, 

" When a government has ceased to protect the lives, liberty, 
and property of tlie people, from whom its legitimate powers are 
derived, and for the advancement of whose happiness it was in- 
stituted ; and, so far from being a guaranty for their inestimable 
and inalienable rights, becomes an instrument in the hands of 
evil rulers for their oppression: When the federal republican 
constitution of their country, which they have sworn to support, 
no longer has a substantial existence, and the whole nature of 
their government has been forcibly changed, w^ithout their con- 
sent, from a restrictive federative republic, composed of sover- 
eign states, to a consolidated central military despotism, in 
which every interest is disregarded but that of the army and the 
priesthood — both the eternal enemies of civil liberty, the ever- 
ready minions of power, and the usual instruments of tyrants : 
When, long after the spirit of the constitution has departed, mod- 
eration is at length so far lost by those in power, that even the 
semblance of freedom is removed, and the forms themselves of 
the constitution discontinued ; and so far from their petitions and 
remonstrances being regarded, the agents w^ho bear them are 
thrown into dungeons, and mercenary armies sent forth to force 
a new government upon them at the point of the bayonet : 



38 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

<< When, in consequence of such acts of malfeasance and 
abduction on the part of the government, anarchy prevails, and 
civil society is dissolved into its original elements ; in such a 
crisis, the first law of nature — the right of self-preservation — the 
inherent and inalienable right of the people to appeal to first 
principles, and take tlieir political affairs in their own hands in 
extreme cases, enjoins it as a right towards themselves, and a 
sacred obligation to their posterity, to abolish such government, 
and create another in its stead, calculated to rescue them from 
impending dangers, and to secure their welfare and happiness. 

" Nations, as well as individuals, are amenable for their acts to 
the public opinion of mankind. A statement of a part of our 
grievances is therefore submitted to an impartial world, in justifi- 
cation of the hazardous but unavoidable step now taken of sever- 
ing our political connexion with the Mexican people, and assuming 
an independent attitude among the nations of the earth. 

" The Mexican government, by its colonization laws, invited 
and induced the Anglo-American population of Texas to colonize 
its wilderness, under the pledged faith of a written constitution, 
that they should continue to enjoy that constitutional liberty and 
republican government to which they had been habituated in the 
land of their birth, the United States of America, 

"In this expectation they have been cruelly disappointed, inas- 
much as the Mexican nation has acquiesced in the late changes 
made in the government by General Antonio Lopez de Santa 
Anna, who, having overturned the constitution of his countrj', 
now offers us the cruel alternative, either to abandon our homes, 
acquired by so many privations, or submit to that most intolerable 
of all tyranny, the combined despotism of the sword and the 
priesthood. 

" It hath sacrificed our welfare to the state of Coahuila, by 
which our interests have been continually depressed, through a 
jealous and partial course of legislation, carried on at a far dis-tam 



DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 39 

seat of government, by a hostile majority, in an unknown tongue ; 
and this, too, notwithstanding we have petitioned in the humblest 
terms for the establishment of a separate state government ; and 
have, in accordance with the provisions of the national constitu- 
tion, presented to the General Congress a republican constitution, 
which was, without a just cause, contemptuously rejected. 

" It incarcerated in a dungeon, for a long time, one of our citi- 
zens, for no other cause but a zealous endeavour to procure the 
acceptance of our constitution, and the establishment of a state 
government. 

" It has failed and refused to secure, on a firm basis, the right 
of trial by jury — that palladium of civil liberty, and only safe 
guaranty for the life, liberty, and property of the citizen. 

" It has failed to establish any public system of education, 
although possessed of almost boundless resources, (the public 
domain ;) and although it is an axiom in political science, that 
unless a people are educated and enlightened, it is idle to expect 
the continuance of civil liberty, or the capacity for self-govern- 
ment. 

" It has suffered the military commandants stationed among us 
to exercise arbitrary acts of oppression and tyranny, thus tram- 
pling upon the most sacred rights of the citizen, and rendering the 
military superior to the civil power. 

" It has dissolved, by force of arms, the state Congress of Coa- 
huila and Texas, and obliged our representatives to fly for their 
lives from the seat of government, thus depriving us of the funda- 
mental political right of representation. 

" It has demanded the surrender of a number of our citizens, 
and ordered military detachments to seize and carry them into 
the interior for trial, in contempt of the civil authorities, and in 
defiance of the laws and the constitution. 

" It has made piratical attacks upon our commerce by commis- 
sioning foreign desperadoes, and authorizing them to seize our 



40 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

vessels and convey the property of our citizens to far distant parts 
for confiscation. 

" It denies us the right of worshipping the Almighty according 
to the dictates of our own conscience, by the support of a national 
religion, calculated to promote tlie temporal interest of its human 
functionaries, rather than tlic glory of the true and living God. 

" It has demanded us to deliver up our arms, which are essen- 
tial to our defence — the rightful property of freemen — and for- 
midable only to tyrannical governments. 

"It has invaded our country both by sea and by land, with the 
intent to lay waste our territory, and drive us from our homes : 
and has now a large mercenary army advancing, to carry on 
against us a war of extermination. 

" It has, through its emissaries, incited the merciless savage, 
with the tomahawk and scalping knife, to massacre the inhabi- 
tants of our defenceless frontiers. 

" It has been, during the whole time of our connexion with it, 
the contemptible sport and victim of successive military revolu- 
tions, and hath continually exhibited every characteristic of a 
weak, corrupt, and tyrannical government. 

"These and other grievances, were patiently borne by the peo- 
ple of Texas, until they reached that point at which forbearance 
ceases to be a virtue. We then took up arms in defence of the 
national constitution. We appealed to our Mexican brethren 
for assistance ; our appeal has been made in vain ; though 
months have elapsed, no sympathetic response has yet been heard 
from tlie interior. We are, therefore, forced to the melancholy 
conclusion, that the Mexican people have acquiesced in the de- 
struction of their liberty, and the substitution therefore of a mili- 
tary government ; that they are unfit to be free, and incapable of 
self-government. 

" The necessity of self-preser\-ation, therefore, now decrees 
our eternal political separation. 



GENERAL HOUSTON'S ORDERS. 41 

<< We, therefore, the delegates with plenary powers of the peo- 
I)le of Texas, in solemn convention assembled, appealing to a 
candid world for the necessities of our condition, do hereby re- 
solve and declare, that our political connexion with the INIexican 
nation has for ever ended, and that the people of Texas do now 
constitute a Free, Sovereign, and Independent Republic, and are 
fully invested with all the rights and attributes which properly 
belong to independent nations ; and, conscious of the rectitude 
of our intentions, we fearlessly and confidently commit the issue 
to the decision of the Supreme Arbiter of the destinies of nations." 
Signed by Richard Ellis, President, 

and forty-nine delegates. 

On the 17th the convention agreed upon a constitution, which 
was to be submitted to the people, and, if approved, the officers 
of the government were to be elected under it. Whatever was 
done, was in accordance with strict democratic principles, and 
the sovereignty of the people. 

While the convention thus acted with decision in declaring the 
nationality of Texas, prompt measures were taken in its defence. 
General Houston, the Commander-in-chief, by the following brief 
but stirring appeal, announced independence and summoned the 
country to arms : — 

"ARMY ORDERS. 
"Convention Hall, Washington, March 2d, 1836. 
<< War is raging on the frontiers. Bejar is besieged by two 
thousand of the enemy, under the command of General Siesma. 
Reinforcements are on their march to unite with the besieging 
army. By the last report our force in Bejar was only one hun- 
dred and fifty men strong. The citizens of Texas must rally to 
the aid of our army, or it will perish. Let the citizens of the 
East march to the combat. The enemy must be driven from our 
soil, or desolation will accompany their march upon us. In- 



42 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

DEPENDENCE IS DECLARED ; it iBust be maintained. Immediate 
action united with valour alone can achieve the great work. 
< The sernces of all are forthwith required in the field.' 

SAM. HOUSTON, 
Commander-in-chief of the Army.^'' 

The events of the former campaign were in the last degree 
wounding to the pride of the Mexican chief. The Texans, op- 
posed to the central power, not only had refused to receive his 
military governor and had organized a government of their own ; 
but, after taking the several forts, had forced the governor and his 
troops to capitulate and abandon the country. 

While wounded executive and military pride thus urged him 
to subjugate the country, religious fanaticism stimulated him to 
vengeance against the Texans, because they refused to deliver 
up Lorenzo de Zavala, one of the purest men in Mexico, who 
had become a refugee in consequence of moving a law in the 
Mexican Congress, against certain church property. To render 
their action unpardonable, the Texans had elected Zavala vice- 
president of tlie provisional government. 

The invading army entered Texas in two di\isions. General 
Urea led the right and advanced upon Goliad, while Santa Anna, 
with the left, marched upon San Antonio de Bexar, which was 
reached by the van, consisting of a thousand men under General 
Siesraa, on the 23d of February. The Texan garrison, under 
Colonel W. B. Travis, consisted of but one hundred and fifty 
men. Expecting no mercy from the infuriated chief, they de- 
termined to make a desperate resistance, and retired into the 
Alamo with what provisions they could collect. The intrepid 
commander then issued the following proclamation, which he 
observed to the letter : — 



COLONEL TRAVIS IN THE ALAMO. 43 

" CoMMANDANCY OF THE Alamo, I3ejar, Fcb. 24th, 183G. 

" Fellow-Citizens and Compatriots ! 

" I am besieged by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under 
Santa Anna, I have sustained a continual bombardment and 
cannonade for twenty-four hours, and have not lost a man. The 
enemy have demanded a surrender at discretion ; otherwise tlie 
garrison is to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken. I have 
answered the summons with a cannon-shot, and our flag still 
waves proudly from the walls. I shall never surrender or retreat. 
Then I call on you in the name of liberty, patriotism, and every- 
thing dear to the American character, to come to our aid with all 
despatch. The enemy are receiving reinforcements daily, and 
will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five 
days. Though this call may be neglected, I am determined to 
sustain myself as long as possible, and die like a soldier who 
never forgets what is due to his own honour and that of his 
country. Victory or death ! 

W. BARRETT TRAVIS, 

Lieut. Col. Com'V' 

From the 23d of Fe*bruary to the 3d of March, the Mexicans, 
increased by the successive arrivals of troops, assailed the little 
garrison with an incessant cannonade. Various attempts too 
were made to carry the fortress by storm ; but the Texans, anima- 
ted to a terrible resistance by the ominous blood-red flag which 
floated from the enemy's camp, repelled their efforts with heavy 
slaughter. In the mean time, the enemy encircled them with 
entrenched encampments, while the Texans increased their de- 
fences by entrenching on the inside. 

On the 3d of March a deafening shout of acclamation announ- 
ced the arrival of Santa Anna, attended by additional troops. 
Closely invested now by an army of four thousand men, the 
brave Travis and his band withstood the furious onset that con- 
8 



44 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR, 

tinued night and day. Human nature, however, could not b^ar 
up against this incessant labour and watching. On the morning 
of the 6th, a few hours before day, oppressed they sunk down to 
rest. Shortly after, Santa Anna, who was maddened at the re- 
sistance he had met, made a more furious assault than usual. 
Having drawn up his infantry, with his cavalry posted in the rear 
to shoot down any who would turn back, he forced them on to 
the attack. An hour before day the Mexicans advanced, slew 
the exliausted sentinels at their posts, and gained the walls. The 
noise roused the garrison to a desperate struggle, and on all sides 
round were strewed the bodies of the assailants, till the Texans, 
overcome witli the fatigue of slaughter, and exhausted by wounds, 
sunk overpowered by the numbers of the enemy. When the 
Mexicans obtained full possession of the fort, they found but a 
single man alive ; Santa Anna, infuriated at the resistance of tlie 
garrisen, which had caused him the loss of a thousand of his best 
troops, immediately ordered him to be shot ; and, with a savage 
ferocity, ordered tlie mangled bodies of the slain to be piled up 
together and reduced to ashes. 

That the lamented Travis acted properly in refusing to surren- 
der to the sanguinary tyrant, is proved by what took place at 
Goliad. Colonel Fannin, who commanded at this place, unable 
to resist the right division of the Mexican forces under General 
Urea, surrendered to tliat officer under the assurances of a treaty 
solemnly ratified as follows : — 

'< Seeing the Texan army entirely overpowered by a far superior 
force, and to avoid the effusion of blood, we surrender ourselves 
prisoners of war, under tlu' following terms : 

"Art. 1st. That we should be received and treated as prisoners 
of war, according to the usages of civilized nations, 

" Art. 2d. That the officers should be paroled immediately upon 
their arrival at La Baliia ; and the other prisoners should be sent 



MASSACRE AT GOLIAD. 45 

to Copano, within eight days, there to await shipping to convey 
them to the United States, so soon as it was practicable to pro- 
cure it : no more to take up arras against Mexico, until exchanged. 

"Art. 3d. That all private property should be respected, and 
officers' swords should be returned on parole or release. 

"Art. 4th. That our men should receive every comfort, and be 
fed as well as their own men. Signed, 

Gen. Urea, 

Col. MORATEAS, 
Col. HoBZINGER, 

on the part of the enemy, and our part. Signed by 

Col. Fannin, and 
Maj. Wallace." 

Notwitlistanding the pledges given above, the unfortunate 
Fannin and his men were treated with great brutality, and at 
length by order of Santa Anna were marched out between files 
of soldiers under circumstances of great treachery, and inhumanly 
butchered, and their bodies afterwards burned to ashes. And as 
if alike in disregard of God and humanity, this act of savage fe- 
rocity was committed upon the day of the Prince of Peace : the 
roar of musketry — the petitions and cries of the wounded — and 
the smoke of the burning bodies desecrating and polluting 
the still Sabbath air. The awful scene is depicted in the follow- 
ing extract from the letter of a Mexican officer : — 

" This day. Palm Sunday, March 27, has been to me a day of 
heartfelt sorrow. At six in the morning, the execution of four 
hundred and twelve American prisoners was commenced, and 
continued till eight, when the last of the number was shot. At 
eleven, commenced the operation of burning their bodies. But 
what an awful scene did the field present, when the prisoners 
were executed, and fell dead in heaps ! And what spectator 
could view it without horror ! They were all young, tlie oldest 



46 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

not more than thirty, and of fine florid complexions. When the 
unfortunate youths were brought to the place of death, their 
lamentations and the appeals which they uttered to heaven in 
their own language, with extended arms, kneeling or prostrate on 
the earth, were such as might have caused the very stones to cry 
out in compassion." 

The slaughter of Fannin and his troops, and the fall of the 
Alamo, carried dismay into the hearts of the people. The 
government panic-struck fled, and most of the citizens, giving 
up all for lost, imitated the example. In this trying emergency, 
Houston, the commander-in-chief, having drawn to his standard 
about eight hundred men, with dauntless intrepidity resolved to 
attack the enemy before he would concentrate his forces, and 
thus cut up his army in detail. 

By a providential circumstance, Houston, when near the di- 
vision of the centre, which was commanded by Santa Anna, 
obtained every desirable information. A courier was captured 
with a despatch detailing Santa Anna's movements, his force, route, 
and destination. By a forced march, Houston reached on the 20th 
of April the place, near the confluence of Buffalo Bayou and San 
Jacinto, where Santa Anna intended to cross the San Jacinto 
river, on his way to Anahuac ; and, before his array had prepared 
their refreshments, the troops of Santa Anna appeared. A 
cannonade soon commenced on both sides, with skirmishes be- 
tween the cavalry and detached bodies of infantrj-, shortly after 
which Santa Anna retired to a position three-fourths of a mile 
from the Texan camp, where he rested the right flank of his 
infantry on a wood that skirted the San Jacinto, and secured his 
left by a fortification of packs and baggage, with an opening in 
the centre for his artillery. 

Thus, almost in presence of each otlier, the hostile armies slept 
till the bright sun of spring arose which was to light the young 



BATTLE OF SAN JACINTO. 47 

republic to independence, and usher in the day of doom to its 
enemies. 

On the morning of the 21st, Santa Anna was reinforced by five 
hundred and forty men under General Cos, making his force 
nearly sixteen hundred men. These were choice troops, formed 
under his own eye, acquainted with the manoeuvres and strifes of 
war, and equipped with all needful appointments. To oppose 
these, the Texan commander had under him less than eight hun- 
dred men. These were planters and men of every profession 
and trade, the most of whom had never seen service, who with 
scarcely any military exercise had taken upon them the duties and 
fatigues of a soldier. They had, however, every stimulant to 
excite them. If vanquished, they knew that they would be 
butchered in cold blood, and that the fire and sword of desolation 
would sweep over the settlements, till it reached the Sabine. 
Patriotism thus summoned them to every manly exertion for the 
defenceless living, while a voice from Goliad and the Alamo, 
called to vengeance for the butchered dead. 

Under the cover of a wood, having completed his arrangements 
for battle, without exposing his designs to the enemy, General 
Houston led on his little army to the attack. The evolutions 
were made with alacrity and precision. Debouching from an 
island of timber, the army advanced rapidly in line across the 
prairie ; when the artillery took position within two hundred yards 
of the enemy's breastwork, and poured in a destructive fire of 
grape and canister. Colonel Sherman's regiment having com- 
menced the action on the left, the centre and right advanced in 
double quick time, with the terrible war-cry, " Remember the 
Alamo !" which rose above the roar of battle, and carried dismay 
into the hearts of the Mexicans. Receiving the fire of the enemy, 
which mostly went over their heads and did little execution, they 
advanced within point-blank shot, and then with deadly aim de- 
livered their fire with murderous effect. Not taking time to 



48 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

reload the pieces, they rushed on and used their pistols, and then, 
raising their rifles as war-clubs, sent them crashing through skull 
and bone. Many of these were broken at the breech, when, still 
pressing on like furious lions, and shouting that deathful cry, 
"Remember the Alamo!" with their bowie-knives they hewed 
down those of the enemy that resisted, or stabbed them in retreat. 
The breastwork and artillery were soon in possession of the Tex- 
ans, while the wings in the mean time had been put to slaughter 
or the rout. 

The enemy's cavalry had been repulsed with great loss by 
that of the Texans under the brave Lamar, and it was now in full 
retreat. Hotly pursued by the Texans, it sought retreat by a 
bridge which General Houston had taken the precaution to cut 
down. On arriving here, a cry of horror announced the bridge 
was gone. Some urged their coursers down the steep bank, and 
hofse and rider went down together. Others dismounted, and 
were struoffflinjj to swim over the stream. Horses and men were 
jammed and crushed together, upon the banks and in the waters, 
while a heavy fire from their pursuers assailed them, till the waters 
were red with blood, and the channel choked up with the dead 
and the dying. The victory was complete. The Mexican loss 
was six hundred and thirty killed, two hundred and eighty wound- 
ed, and seven hundred and thirty prisoners. Among the latter 
were General Santa Anna, and General Cos, who had treacher- 
ously broken his parole. Of the army scarcely a man escaped. 
The Texans lost but two in killed, and twenty-three wounded. 
The battle of San Jacinto sealed the independence of the country, 
and the new star of Texas rose in beauty among the constellations 
of republics. Santa Anna, who by his inhumanity to his prisoners 
had forfeited his life, was generously spared by the Texan com- 
mander. As President of Mexico he made a treaty with General 
Houston, in which he recognised the full independence of Texas, 
and engaged to order the withdrawal of the remaining troops, up- 



TEXAN INDEPENDENCE ESTABLISHED. 49 

wards of four thousand in number. His generals immediately 
evacuated the country and returned to Mexico with their troops ; 
but the Mexican Congress refused to acknowledge the treaty which 
he had made, and ordered a new invasion. This however was 
not attempted, and all warfare between the two countries was 
hereafter confined to desultory attacks and skirmishes. 

Texas, which had been granted to the settlers as a part of 
Mexico, according to laws of naturalization — which had further 
become theirs by labours that redeemed it from the w'ilderness — 
which had been pledged to them with state sovereignty by the 
federal compact of 1824 — all rightful control of which reverted 
from Mexico to them upon the forcible dissolution of that com- 
pact by military despotism — had lastly become theirs by right of 
conquest, and the inhabitants of Texas had an unquestionable 
right to organize a government of their own, or form any alliance 
or union w^itli any government whatever. 

Able to maintain the independence she had declared, she was 
admitted into the family of nations. President Jackson, after 
sending a confidential agent to examine her condition, people, 
and resources, first recognised her political existence ; and the last 
time he put his hand officially to paper, it was on this interesting 
occasion. The act of recognition by the United States was soon 
followed by that of England, France, and Belgium. 

We have thus at some length shown the rise of Texas as a 
nation, with the view of relieving her from the ol)loquy too often 
thrown upon her, and of demonstrating the fact, that instead of 
plundering the Mexican nation of a part of her territory, as her 
people have been accused of doing, they acknowledged and upheld 
the great principles of the Mexican constitution with truth and 
fidelity, until there was no hope of constitutional freedom, and a 
war of extermination denounced against them as rebels, drove 
them into independence. 



CHAPTER V. 

Political Existence of Texas— Proposals for Annexation to the United States- 
Attempt to efTect the Recognition of the Independence of Texas by Mexico — 
President Tyler's Treaty of Annexation — Its Rejection by the Senate — Mr. 
Bocanegra — Protest of Almonte — Letter of General Jackson — Joint Resolution 
for the Annexation of Texas — Protest and Departure of the Mexican Minister — 
Action of the Mexican Government — Measures for the Defence of Texas — Gene- 
ral Taylor Commander of the Forces of the United States for its Defence— Letter 
of Instructions — Acceptance of the Terms of Annexation by Texas — The Army 
of Occupation at Corpus Christi — Attempt to open Negotiations with Mexico — 
Mr. Slidell's Mission — Downfall of lierrera and Accession of Paredes — Refusal 
to receive Mr. Slidell except as a Special Envoy — Advance of the United States 
Army to the Rio Grande — The Texan Boundary considered — Arrival of the 
American Army at the Colorado — Crossing disputed — Point Isabel invested — 
March resumed — Encampment on the Rio Grande — Correspondence. 

Having achieved the independence of their country, the people 
of Texas now turned their attention to the future, and considered 
whether they would best promote their security and happiness by 
a separate existence under the protection of some foreign state, 
or by merging their sovereignty in the great Northern Confederacy. 
The expenses of maintaining a government, and the distrust of 
foreign alliances, indisposed them to the former, while the cir- 
cumstance of the majority of the inhabitants being emigrants 
from the United States, rendered a union with that country desir- 
able. "With this preference, and in the exercise of a legitimate 
act of sovereignty, the Executive of Texas, on the 4th of August, 
1837, proposed to annex that country to the United States. An 
expression of opinion relative to this subject had been made in 
September 1836, at the first election held for choosing officers 

50 



RECOGNITION OF TEXAN INDEPENDENCE. 51 

under the constitution, and the desire for the union was found to 
be nearly unanimous. 

The proposition of annexation was made during the presidency 
of Mr. Van Buren ; but, as the United States and Mexico were 
bound by a treaty of amity and commerce, he conceived that 
annexation woukl be a breach of the comity existing betwaen 
them ; and, foreseeing that it involved the probability of a war 
with Mexico, he was unwilling to entertain the proposition with 
favour. 

Having failed to secure incorporation with the republican 
family of the North, Texas opened negotiations with European 
powers, with the view of obtaining the acknowledgment of her 
mdependence by Mexico, through the intervention of France and 
England. England, especially, treated the young republic with 
great consideration, and exerted her influence to induce the re- 
cognition of her nationality on the part of Mexico. This was 
for no disinterested love of a republican state, but with the view 
of securing to herself by treaty the commercial advantages to be 
derived from the increasing importance of Texas. France, too, 
committed now to the intrigues of the Montpensier marriage, 
laboured to prevent the annexation of Texas to the United States, 
probably with the view of placing over Mexico and Texas, at 
no distant day, a French prince, through the Spanish union. 
Mexico herself, fearing that the annexation of Texas to the 
United States might lead to a further dismemberment of territory, 
would have consented to the recognition of Texas, on condition 
that she would preserve a distinct nationality ; and accordingly 
an armistice had been concluded between them, through the in- 
tervention of France and England. While annexation was 
becoming thus less necessary and desirable to Texas, the impor- 
tance of the measure claimed the attention of the politicians of 
the United States. 

Accordingly, during Mr. Tyler's administration, negotiations 
9 



52 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

with a view to annexation were opened on the 6th of October, 
1843, by Abel P. Upshur, Esq., Secretary of State. A treaty of 
annexation was signed by the Texan Ministers Plenipotentiary 
and by President Tyler, and on the 22d of April, 1844, submitted 
to tlie United States Senate, but was rejected by that body. 
"While the subject of annexation was agitated, Mexico had 
steadily notified the government of the United States that it would 
consider the act a ground of war. The Mexican Minister of 
Foreign Relations, Mr. Bocanegra, on the 23d of August, 1843, 
in a letter to Waddy Thompson, our Minister in Mexico, had 
used the following explicit language : — 

" His Excellency, the Pro\isional President, resting on this 
deep con\nction, is obliged to prevent an aggression unprece- 
dented in the annals of the world from being consummated ; and 
if it be indispensable for the Mexican nation to seek security for 
its rights at the expense of the disasters of war, it will call upon 
God, and rely on its own effoi-ts for the defence of its just cause." 

In November of the same year, General Almonte, the Mexican 
Minister at Washington, protested against the act of annexation 
in the following solemn manner : — 

" But if, contrary to the hopes and wishes entertained by the 
government of the undersigned for the preservation of the good 
understanding and harmony which should reign between the two 
neighbouring and friendly republics, the United States should, in 
defiance of good faith and the principles of justice which they 
have constantly proclaimed, commit the unheard-of act of vio- 
lence of appropriating to themselves an integrant part of the 
Mexican territory', the undersigned, in the name of his nation, 
and now for them, protests in the most solemn manner against 
such an aggression ; and he moreover declares, by express order 
of his government, that on sanction being given by the Executive 
of the Union to the incorporation of Texas into the United States, 
he will consider his mission ended, seeing that, as the Secretary 



MEASURES FOR THE DEFENCE OF TEXAS. 53 

of State will have learned, the Mexican government is resolved 
to declare war as soon as it receives intimation of such an act." 
Though the treaty of annexation was defeated, the subject was 
favourably entertained by the people, who feared that the fertile 
province offered to them would, by a union with England, be- 
come in some measure a rival. The following extract from a 
letter of General Jackson of the date of January 1st, 1845, shows 
the importance of the subject :— 

" I have just received from Major Donelson, a letter dated at 
Washington, in Texas, from which I would infer, that if Con- 
gress expect to annex Texas to the United States, they must act 
speedily, or it will be found to be beyond our grasp. The 
rejection of the advances of Texas has given offence to some, 
and a handle to others to press the liberal propositions of England 
upon the Texans, together wnth the splendid view of Texas 
independent, growing into a vast republic, in time to embrace 
not only the limits of Texas, but all the domain once Monte- 
zuma's. This view, to ambitious aspirants, added to the 
guaranties of England of her independence, and the loan of 
large sums for ten years, based upon a treaty that English manu- 
factures shall be free of duty, is gaining a party in Texas. 
General Houston is still the leading star ; and his influence alone 
can be counted upon to resist the present influence of England 
and its increasing power. How long this influence of England 
can be successfully withstood in Texas, is becoming a very 
questionable matter. I have taken a view^ of the whole ground, 
giving to all information its due weight, and I say to you that, 
unless Congress acts upon this subject promptly, Texas will be 
beyond our grasp, and lost to the United States for ever, unless 
regained by the sword. What will be the situation of our 
country, witli British manufactures introduced duty free into 
Texas ? Comment is unnecessary. 

" I hazard nothing in saying, that, if the present Congress do. 



54 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

not act promptly upon this subject, the next will not have the 
power. The consent of Texas cannot then be obtained. Great 
Britain will have laid the lion's paw upon her, and bound her 
by treaty." 

During tlie session of 1844-45, tlie subject engaged the 
attention of Congress, and on the 1st of March, 1845, a joint 
resolution passed the two houses of Congress annexing Texas to 
the United States. We extract the principal part of the resolution, 
as we shall have occasion to refer to it hereafter : — 

" Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled : That Congress 
dotli consent that the territory properly included within and right- 
fully belonging to the Republic of Texas, may be erected into a 
new state, to be called the State of Texas, M^ith a republican form 
of government to be adopted by the people of said republic by 
deputies in convention assembled, with the consent of the exist- 
ing government, in order that the same may be admitted as one 
of the states of this Union. 

'' Section 1st. And be itfurt/ier resolved, That the foregoing con- 
sent of Congress is given upon the following conditions, to wit : — 

" First. Said state to be formed subject to the adjustment by this 
government of all questions of boundary that may arise with 
other governments ; and the constitution thereof, with the proper 
evidence of its adoption by the people of the said Republic 
of Texas, shall be transmitted to the President of the United 
States, to be laid before Congress for its final action, on or before 
tlie 1st of January, 1846." 

Immediately after learning that this resolution was signed by 
the President of the United States, General Almonte, the Mexican 
Minister, protested against it in the name of his government, 
demanded his passports, and left the country. 

As soon as the annexation of Texas became known in Mexico, 
Senor Cuevas,'thc Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the 23d of 



MEASURES FOR THE DEFENCE OF TEXAS. 55 

March addressed a long memorial to the Chambers upon Die 
subject, in which he stated his reliance upon the interference of 
foreign powers ; at the same time he notified the American Minis- 
ter, Mr. Sliannon, that all diplomatic intercourse between Mexico 
and the United States was at an end. He addressed also a 
circular to the ministers resident of all the foreign powers, in 
which he protested against tlie injustice bf the United States, 
and announced the intention of Mexico to resist it ; and on 
the 22d of March sent despatches to the governors of the 
different departments throughout the republic, asking their 
assistance to sustain the government and maintain the rights of 
the nation. On the 7th of April, the joint committee of the 
Mexican Congress to whom the memorial on the affairs of Texas 
had been referred, made a report, in which they asserted their 
right to Texas, and the duty to take up arms for its recovery ; and 
made the most urgent appeals to the patriotism of the people to 
prevent its usurpation. 

Meanwhile the American government, satisfied that Texas 
would accept the terms of annexation, had taken precautionary 
measures for the protection of the country. An efficient military 
force was concentrated on the frontier of Texas, under the com- 
mand of Brigadier-General Zachary Taylor, who had distinguished 
himself in the Florida war ; and a strong squadron under Ca])tain 
Stockton was ordered to the Gulf of Mexico, with instructions to 
co-operate with the army. 

By a despatch of the 21st of March, 1845, General Taylor, then 
at Fort Jesup, in Louisiana, was ordered to hold his troops in 
readiness to march into Texas upon notification by the Depart- 
ment of War. Subsequent to this, on the 28th of May, the Secre- 
tary of War reiterated the above instructions as follows : — 

"Sir: I am directed by the President to cause the forces now 
under your command, and those which may be assigned to it, to 
be put into a position where they may most promptly and effi- 



66 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR, 

ciently act in defence of Texas, in the event it shall become 
necessary or proper to employ tliem for that purpose. The in- 
formation received by tlie Executive of tlie United States warrants 
the belief that Texas will shortly accede to the terms of annexa- 
tion. As soon as the Texan Congress shall have given its consent 
to annexation, and a convention shall assemble and accept the 
terms offered in the resolutions of Congress, Texas will then be 
regarded by the executive government here so far a part of the 
United States as to be entitled from this government to defence 
and protection from foreign invasion and Indian incursions. The 
troops under your command will be placed and kept in readiness 
to perform this duty." 

On the 15th of June, in accordance with a requisition of Mr, 
Donelson, the American Charge dP Affaires in Texas, Mr. Bancroft, 
tlie acting Secretary of War, addressed to Taylor tlie following 
confidential letter of instructions, which we give entire on account 
of its importance : — 

•'War Department, June 15, 1845. 

" Sm: On the 4th day of July next, or very soon thereafter, the 
convention of the people of Texas will probably accept the pro- 
position of annexation, under the joint resolutions of the late Con- 
gress of the United States. That acceptance will constitute 
Texas an integral portion of our country. 

" In anticipation of that event, you will forthwith make a forward 
movement with the troops under your command, and advance to 
the mouth of the Sabine, or to such other point on the Gulf of 
Mexico, or its navigable waters, as in your judgment may be 
most convenient for an embarkation at the proper time for tlie 
western frontier of Texas. 

'< In leaving to your judgment to decide the route, it is intended 
that you choose the most expeditious, having due regard to the 
health and efficiency of tlie troops, on reaching the point of desti- 
nation. 



LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS. 57 

<' The force under your immediate command, at and near Fort 
Jesup, to be put in motion on the receipt of these instructions, 
will be the 3d and 4th regiments of infantry, and seven compa- 
nies of the 2d regiment of dragoons. The two absent companies 
of the 4tli infantry have been ordered to join their regiments. 
Artillery will be ordered from New Orleans. 

"It is understood that suitable forage for cavalry cannot be ob- 
tained in the region which the troops are to occupy ; if this be 
so, the dragoons must leave their horses and serve as riflemen. 
But it is possible that horses of the country, accustomed to sub- 
sist on meagre forage, may be procured, if it be found necessary. 
You will therefore take the precaution to order a portion of the 
cavalry equipments to accompany the regiment, with a view to 
mounted service. 

" The point of your ultimate destination is the western frontier 
of Texas, w^here you will select and occupy, on or near the Rio 
Grande del Norte, such a site as will consist with the health of 
the troops, and will be best adapted to repel invasion, and to 
protect what, in the event of annexation, will be our western 
border. You will limit yourself to the defence of the territory 
of Texas, unless Mexico should declare war against the United 
States. 

<« Your movement to the Gulf of Mexico, and your preparations 
to embark for the western frontier of Texas, are to be made with- 
out any delay ; but you will not effect a landing on that frontier 
until you have yourself ascertained the due acceptance of Texas 
of the proffered terms of annexation, or until you receive direc- 
tions from Mr, Donelson. 

" I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

GEORGE BANCROFT. 

To Brigadier-General Z. Taylor, 

U. S. Army, commanding \st dcp^t. Fort Jesup, La.^' | 



58 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

This letter was forwarded to General Taylor by an express, 
and immediately upon its receipt, the army was put in motion. 
On the 2d of July, the 4th Infantry embarked on steamers, and 
arrived at New Orleans on the 4th. The 3d Infantry left Fort 
Jesup on the 7th, and reached New Orleans on the 10th. Gene- 
ral Taylor and staff remained at Fort Jesup to arrange affairs for 
the departure of the Dragoons, and did not join the troops until 
the 15th. On the 19th, Lieutenant Bragg, with tlie 3d Artillery, 
arrived from Charleston, and joined the Army of Occupation. 
Here the general received the following despatch, which modi- 
fied his former instructions : — 

" War Department, July 8, 1845. 

" Sir : This department is informed that Mexico has some 
military establishments on the east side of the Rio Grande, 
which are, and for some time have been, in the actual occupancy 
of her troops. In carrying out the instructions heretofore re- 
ceived, you will be careful to avoid any acts of aggression, unless 
an actual state of war should exist. The Mexican forces at the 
posts in their possession, and which have been so, will not be 
disturbed as long as the relations of peace between the United 
States and Mexico continue. 

WM. L. MARCY. 

Brigadier-General Z. Taylor."' 

The line of policy herein enjoined was much in accordance 
with the views of General Taylor, as appears in the following 
reply : — 



" Uead-Qlarters P'irst Military Departme.nt, 
New Orleans, La., July 20, 1845. 



i 

"Sir: I respectfully acknowledge your communication of 
July 8, covering the instructions of the Secretar}' of War of tiic 
same date, relative to the Mexican settlements on this side of 
tiie Rio Grande. Those instructions will be closely obeyed ; 



TERMS OF ANNEXATION ACCEPTED. 59 

and the department may rest assured that I will take no step to 
interrupt the friendly relations between the United States and 
Mexico. I am gratified at receiving these instructions, as they 
confirm my views, previously communicated, in regard to the 
proper line to be occupied at present by our troops. 
" I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Z. TAYLOR, 
Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. Jl., commanding. 
The Adjutant-General of the Army. Washington, D. C." 

A despatch from Major Donelson, dated at Austin, July 7th, 
reached New Orleans on the 21st, and informed General Taylor 
that the Convention of Texas had unanimously accepted the 
terms of annexation, and the following day the troops embarked 
for Texas. On the morning of the 26th of July they reached St. 
Joseph's Island, in Aransas Bay, where they were temporarily 
established ; and on the 31st the Army of Occupation took posi- 
tion at Corpus Christi. This location was at once healthy, easily 
supplied, and well situated to hold in observation the course of 
the Rio Grande from Matamoros to Laredo. While here the 
troops were regularly practised in the different evolutions and 
manoeuvres of war, and reconnoissances were made with reference 
to an advance of the army towards the Rio Grande. Mean- 
while Mexico made no declaration of war, and adopted no mea- 
sures that looked like a determination to invade Texas. This 
induced the United States Executive to suppose that Mexico 
would be willing to settle the existing diflficulties by diplomacy ; 
and accordingly, Mr. Buchanan, the Secretary of State, by 
means of an indirect correspondence with Mr. Black, the Ameri- 
can Consul of Mexico, attempted to renews negotiations with the 
Mexican cabinet. The government was evidently in favour of 
adjusting all difficulties wath the United States, and agreed to re- 
ceive an envoy for that puqiose ; but, fearing the prejudices of 
10 



©0 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

the Mexican people, who were in favour of w'ar, stipulated that, 
to avoid all appearance of coercion, the person deputed should be 
of a conciliatory disposition, and that before his arrival, the 
naval force of the United States should be witlidrawn from Vera 
Cruz, where it lay in sight. Commodore Conner, who was now 
in command of the squadron, promptly withdrew the naval force, 
as requested. No doubt whatever can be entertained that Presi- 
dent Herrera and his cabinet were desirous of peace ; but before 
the minds of the Mexican people had been prepared for the re- 
newal of friendly relations, the American envoy, Mr. Slidell, 
appeared and pressed his reception witli earnestness, which 
greatly embarrassed the action of the administration. The 
council of government was to a great extent in open opposition 
to the Executive and his cabinet, and, instead of forwarding the 
movement in favour of negotiation, made it the subject of intrigue 
against the administration, witli the view of overthrowing it. In 
consequence of this the ^Mexican government refused to receive 
Mr. Slidell, upon a point of etiquette, that having recalled her resi- 
dent Minister, and dissolved the relations between the two coun- 
tries, Mexico could not receive again a resident Minister from the 
United States, until a special envoy had by negotiations arranged 
the difficulties in relation to Texas. This will appear from the 
following extract of a letter from xMr. Black to Mr. Slidell, detail- 
ing the substance of a conversation between him and Pena y 
Pena, tlie Mexican Minister of Foreign Affairs : — 

" On Saturday evening, the 13th instant, at tlie request of 
Mr. Slidell, I called on the Mexican Minister, Seiior Pena, at 
his house, to inquire when an answer would be given to his 
(Mr. Slidell's) aforesaid note. He replied, that the affair had 
been submitted to the government council, in a special session 
of this day, and that it had been referred to a committee, and 
that as soon as the committee made a report, and tiic counril 
should decide, he would then advise me, through Mr. Monas- 



GENERAL HOUSTON'S ORDERS. 61 

terio, when he was ready for the conference to present to me 
the answer for Mr. Slidell ; as he said when he came to ex- 
amine the credentials of Mr. Slidell, he found them to be the same 
as those presented by Mr. Shannon, and other former Ministers — 
as a Minister to reside near the government of Mexico, just as if 
there had been no suspension of the diplomatic and friendly rela- 
tions between the two governments ; that the Mexican government 
understood the present mission to be a special mission, and con- 
fmed to the diflerences in relation to tlie Texas question, and not 
as a mission to reside near the Mexican government, as in ordi- 
nary cases ; that of course would follow when the first question 
was decided. 

'< I replied, that as 1 understood it, the Mexican government had 
not only agreed to receive an envoy intrusted with full powers to 
settle the question in dispute in relation to the affairs of Texas, 
but all the questions in dispute between the two governments, 
as proposed by the government of the United States. He replied 
that the credentials of Mr. Slidell had not reference to any ques- 
tions in dispute, but merely as a Minister to reside near the Mexi- 
can government, without reference to any questions in dispute, 
just as if the diplomatic and friendly relations between the two 
governments had not been and were not interrupted ; that I knew 
the critical situation of the Mexican government, and that it had 
to proceed w^ith great caution and circumspection in this affair ; 
that the government itself was well disposed to arrange all differ- 
ences." 

The principal reason, however, that influenced the Executive in 
coming to this decision, was the fear of an anticipated revolution, 
which took place but nine days after, and caused the overthrow 
of Herrera's administration in favour of General Paredes, who 
was a military despot, and hostile to the United States. 

Mr. Slidell now' retired to Jalapa, and again made overtures to 
the Mexican government to renew: their friendly relations by ro 



62 HISTORY OF THE MKXICAN WAR. 

ceiving him as "Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipoten- 
tiary to reside near the government of Mexico ;" but the admin- 
istration of Paredes, adhering to the resolve of the former 
administration, which had been accused of treason on account 
of being favourably disposed to the United States, refused to 
receive Mr. Slidell in any other character than that of a special 
envoy to treat upon the subject of Texas alone. This will 
appear mo?"e fully from an extract of a letter of Senor Castillo 
y Lunas, dated March 12th, 1846 :— 

" From these extracts it is manifest that it was the firm 
intention of the Mexican government to admit only a plenipo- 
tentiary from the United States clothed with powers ad hoc — that 
is to say, special powers to treat upon the question of Texas, and 
upon this alone as preliminary to the renewal of friendly relations 
between the two countries, if the result should be such as to 
admit of their restoration ; and then, but not before, of the 
reception of an Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary 
near the same government. 

"Nor could the government of the republic on that occasion 
extend its engagement beyond this ; for to admit any person sent 
by the United States in the character simply of the ordinary 
agents between friendly nations, whilst the grave question of 
Texas was still pending, directly and immediately affecting, as 
it does, the integrity of the Mexican territory, and the very 
nationality itself, would be equivalent to an acknowledgment 
that this question was at an end, thus prejudging it without even 
touching it, and to a recognition that the relations of friendship 
and harmony between the two nations were from that moment in 
fact re-established." 

Immediately on the receipt of this note, Mr. Slidell demanded 
his passports, and returned to the United States. 

Notwithstanding the hostile attitude of Mexico, war might 
have been nvoided if time liiui been allowed for the prejudices 



LETTER FROM TAYLOR. 63 

and animosity of the people against the United States to subside. 
It is true Mexico had signified an intention to declare war and 
invade Texas, but would never have done so if she had not been 
provoked by the advance of the army of the United States. To 
substantiate this opinion, we should call to mind, that immediately 
after tlie battle of San Jacinto, the Mexican government had or- 
dered an invasion of Texas, but never carried her order into exe- 
cution. General Almonte had solemnly stated, in the event of 
the annexation of Texas, " the Mexican government is resolved 
to declare war as soon as it receives intimation of such an act," 
yet Mexico made no declaration of war. 

And such would have been the issue of all the threats about 
the subjugation of Texas after its annexation to the United 
States. Even Paredes, who was known to be hostile to the 
United States, had declared in his manifesto to the people that 
'< until the National Congress had considered the question, no act 
of aggression would be committed against the United States by 
the Mexican government, but that it would repel any that might 
be offered by them." 

It is evident alike from the letters of General Taylor and of the 
War Department, that while the army remained at Corpus 
Christi, war was not expected by either. The following letters 
will show this to be the case : — 

"Head-Quakteks, Army of Occupation, ^ 
Corpus Christi, Texas, Sept. 6, 1845. J 

" Sir : I have the honour to report that a confidential agent, de- 
spatched some days since to Matamoras, has returned, and 
reports that no extraordinary preparations are going forword 
there ; that the garrison does not seem to have been increased, 
and that our con.sul is of opinion there will be no declaration of 
war. A decree had been issued prohibiting, under penalty of 
death, any communication, by writing, across the frontier — a 



64 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

precaution which has been adopted on former occasions, and 
caused, no doubt, by our presence here. Nothing definite can 
be learned in relation to the march of troops from the interior. 
A body of 3,000 men was reported in march to Matamoros, but 
the information is too vague to merit much confidence. The 
agent, who is intelligent, and upon whose statements a good deal 
of reliance may, I think, be safely placed, says that the mass of 
the people, with whom he mingled, is opposed to a war with us, 
and that if war be declared, the frontier departments of Tamau- 
lipas, Coahuila, and Nuevo Leon, will probably declare them- 
selves independent of the central government and establish pacific 
relations with us. 

<' This is the substance of the information brought from Mata- 
moros. Notwithstanding its character, I shall not relax my exer- 
tions to prepare for active operations and a state of war with 
Mexico. I must express the hope that no militia force will be or- 
dered to join me without my requisition for it. I am entirely con- 
fident that none will be required. 

" I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser\'ant, 

Z. TAYLOR, 
Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. Ji. commanding. 

The Adjutant-General of the Army; Washington, D. C." 

Subsequent to the reception of the above, and while admitting 
there was no probability of war, the Executive, through his secre- 
tary, directed an advance to the Rio Grande, into territory which 
was in dispute, and which had never been held by Texas at all : — 

"War Department, > 
Washington, Oct. 16, 1845. ( 

" Sir : The information which we have here, renders it probable 
that no serious attempts will, at present, be made by Mexico to 
invade Texas, although she continues to threaten incursions. Pre- 
%nous instructions will have put you in possession of the \'iews of 



LF.TTER FROM MARCV. 65 

the orovernment of the Ignited States, not only as to the extent of 
its territorial claims, but of its determination to assert them. In 
carrying out these instructions, you will be left very much to your 
own judgment, by reason of your superior knowdedge of localities, 
and the earlier notice you may receive of the probable views of 
Mexico, and the movements of her troops. 

" On the supposition that no active operations on your part will 
be required during the approaching winter, an important question 
to be decided is the position or positions to be occupied by your 
forces. This must be determined mainly with reference to the 
objects for which the army under your command was sent into 
Texas. You will approach as near the western boundary of 
Texas (the Rio Grande) as circumstances will permit ; having 
reference to reasonable security ; to accommodations for putting 
your troops into winter huts, if deemed necessary ; to the facility 
and certainty of procuring or receiving supplies ; and to checking 
any attempted incursions by the Mexican forces or the Indian 

tribes. 

#**#♦** 

" You are requested to avail yourself of all proper occasions, 
and employ the means you possess to collect information in re- 
gard to all these matters, and forward it to this department. 

"Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

WM. L. MARCY, 

Secretary of War. 
Brigadier-General Z. Taylor, 

Commanding Army of Occupation in Texas." 

While efforts were making to restore diplomatic relations be- 
tween the two countries, and long before the Mexican govern- 
ment had finally refused to receive the United States' envoy, the 
President had ordered the advance of the army to the left bank 
of the Rio Grande, and a strong fleet into the Gulf of Mexico, 
and thus precluded all hopes of accommodation : 



66 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

"War Department, j 
Washington, January 13, 1810. J 

" Sir : I am directed by the President to instruct you to advance 
and occupy, with the troops under your command, positions on 
or near the east bank of the Rio del Norte, as soon as it can be 
conveniently done with reference to the season and the routes by 
which your movements must be made. From the views hereto- 
fore presented to this department, it is presumed Point Isabel 
will be considered by you an eligible position. This point, or 
some one near it, and points opposite Matamoros and Mier, and 
in the vicinity of Laredo, are suggested for your consideration ; 
but you are left to your better knowledge to determine the post 
or posts which you are to occupy, as well as the question of divi- 
ding your forces with a view to occupying two or more positions. 

« In the positions you may take in carrying out these instructions 
and other movements that may be made, the use of the Rio del 
Norte may be very convenient, if not necessary. Should you 
attempt to exercise the right which the United States have in 
common with Mexico to the free navigation of this river, it is 
probable that Mexico would interpose resistance. You will not 
attempt to enforce this right without further instructions. 

" You are requested to report to this department, without delay, 
what means you may require, if any, beyond those you now- pos- 
sess, to enforce and maintain our common right to navigate this 
river, as well as your views of the importance of this right in the 
defence and protection of the State of Texas. 

" It is not designed, in our present relations with Mexico, that 
you should treat her as an enemy ; but, should she assume that 
character by a declaration of war, or any open act of hostility 
towards us, you will not act merely on the defensive, if your re- 
lative means enable you to do otherwise. 

" Since instructions were given you to draw aid from Texas, in 
case you should deem it necessary, the relations between that 



BOUNDARY OF TEXAS. 67 

State and the United States have undergone some modification. 
Texas is now fully incorporated into our Union of States, and you 
are hereby authorized by the President to make a requisition 
upon the Executive of that state for such of its militia force as 
may be needed to repel invasion or to secure the country against 
apprehended invasion. 

" I have the honour to be, with great respect, your obedient 
sen'ant, 

WM. L. MARCY, 

Secretary of War. 

Brigadier General Z. Taylor." 

The President, in his annual message to Congress, assigned 
the following reasons for ordering the advance of the American 
troops : — 

" Instructions have been issued to the general in command, to 
occupy the left bank of the Del Norte. This river, which is the 
south-western boundary of the state of Texas, is an exposed 
frontier ; from this quarter invasion was threatened ; upon it and 
in its immediate vicinity, in the judgment of high military expe- 
rience, are the proper stations for the protecting forces of the 
government. In addition to this important consideration, several 
others have occurred to induce this movement. Among these 
are the facilities afforded by the ports at Brazos Santiago and the 
mouth of the Del Norte, for the reception of supplies by sea ; the 
stronger and more healthful military positions ; the convenience 
for obtaining a ready and a more abundant supply of provisions, 
water, fuel, and forage ; and the advantages which are afforded 
by the Del Norte, in forwarding supplies to such ports as may be 
established in the interior and upon the Indian frontier." 

Now, were it true that the Rio Grande del Norte was the south- 
western boundary of the republic of Texas, the advance of the 
American army to that river for the defence of Texas, would 
have been justifiable. But let us consider this subject, and see 
II 



68 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

if it really was the boundary of the Texas annexed to the United 
States, That the Rio Grande was the ancient boundary of Texas, 
all must admit. While Texas belonged severally to France, to 
the United States, and to Spain, it was the acknowledged bound- 
ary. So Mexico received it upon the downfall of the Spanish 
powder in that country. Holding now the entire country by right 
of revolution and by subjugation, it must be admitted that Mexico 
could make any partitions of her ow^n territory, and establish any 
domestic boundaries which she deemed expedient. In doing 
this, she was at perfect liberty to abridge the extent of Texas, or 
amplify it by any additions from the territory of Mexico proper. 
In her internal divisions, Mexico saw fit to assign a portion of 
the territory east of the Rio Grande that had been included in the 
ancient Texas, to the states of Tamaulipas, Coahuila, and Chihua- 
hua, and established the original line between Texas, Tamaulipas, 
and Coahuila, on the river Aransas, thirty miles east of the 
Nueces. This, then, was the boundary of Texas, when jointly 
with Coahuila it was admitted as a state into the Mexican Con- 
federation. 

This was its boundary when the unconstitutional establishment 
of a central government and military despotism resolved the 
Mexican Confederacy into its original elements, and thus left to 
each integrant portion the right to organize a government of its 
own. By right of revolution the people of Texas declared their 
independence, and established a government. This simple act, 
however, did not extend her boundaries. The independent re- 
])ublic of Texas would, of necessity, now be within the same 
metes and bounds that the state or department of Texas had been 
while a part of the Mexican confederacy, unless additions were 
made to it by annexation, or by conquest. To a certain extent, 
its boundaries were enlarged ; for the people of Tamaulipas, living 
between the Aransas and the Nueces, and those in tlie valley of the 
Nueces to the west of that river as far as the great desert, united 



THE TEXAN BOUNDARY CONSIDERED. 69 

with the Texans in their revolt, and after the independence of 
Texas was declared, associated themselves with them in forming 
their government. They were thus annexed to Texas or subjuga- 
ted by it, and became a part of Texas, The boundary of Texas, 
then, by revolutionary right or by subjugation, now became the 
great desert west of the valley of the Nueces. Up to this boundary 
the people had united in the Texan revolution, acknowledged the 
laws of Texas after the government was formed, and paid taxes 
for its support. 

From the great desert west to the valley of the Rio Grande 
were Mexican setdements, composed of those born under Mexi- 
can laws — citizens of the states of Tamaulipas, Coahuila, and Chi- 
huahua, who had not revolted with the Texans, but had always 
acknowledged the Mexican authority, and given it a ready sup- 
port. Over these Texas had no control. She had not subjugated 
them ; she exercised no jurisdiction over them ; she attempted 
none, either to serve process, collect taxes, or enforce laws. 
True, the Congress of Texas, by act of December 19th, 1836, 
declared tlie Rio Grande, from its mouth to its source, to be their 
boundary ; but with what propriety, or on what grounds ? They 
might have gone further, and with equal justness declared the 
San Fernando to be the boundary. It is one thing to declare 
right to territory, on paper, and another to take it by conquest, 
and maintain it by arms. To the country lying between the 
desert and the Rio Grande, Texas had the same right that she 
had to the state of Zacatecas or New Leon, and no more. It was 
a claim simply asserted on paper, but founded upon no right, 
maintained by no force. The declaration of the Rio Grande as 
boundary by the Congress of Texas, according to a statement of 
Judge Ellis, who was President of the convention that formed 
the constitution, was an act of policy with the sole view oi giving 
sufficient margin in the negotiation mth Mexico, and with no ex- 
pectation of so retaining it. 



70 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

The above historical facts and inferences show that Texas had 
no just claim to the country up to the Rio Grande ; and conse- 
quently we could have none. What follows will make the truth 
more apparent. In tlie first place, President Tyler, who concluded 
the treaty of annexation which was rejected by the Senate, did 
not consider the Rio Grande as the certain boundary of Texas. 
Hence Mr. Calhoun, the Secretary of State, in his letter to Mr. 
Green, our Charge at Mexico, says : — '< You are enjoined also, by 
tlie President, to assure the Mexican government, that it is his 
desire to settle all questions between the two countries which may 
grow out of this treaty, or any other cause, on the most liberal 
and satisfactory terms, including that of boundary.''^ And again, 
speaking of the government of the United States, says: — " It had 
left the boundary of Texas without specification, so that what the 
line of boundary should be, might be an open question to be fairly 
and fully discussed and settled according to the rights of each — 
the mutual interests and security of the two countries." 

The Executive that ordered the advance to the Rio Grande, 
indirectly admits that our claim was not just ; for the American 
Minister, Mr. Shannon, acting under his instructions, when about 
to leave Mexico, in his letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, 
states : — " The undersigned can assure his excellency Sefior 
Cuevas that his (Mr. Shannon's) government entertains the live- 
liest desire to cultivate amicable relations with that of Mexico ; 
and here he will improve this opportunity to repeat that which he 
has before communicated to the government of Mexico, to wit, 
that the United States has not adopted the measure of annexation 
in any spirit of hostility towards Mexico, and that the United 
States are anxious to settle all questions which may grow out of 
this measure, including that of boundaries, in terms the most just 
and liberal." 

The liberal terms referred to, in connexion with boundaries, could 
have reference only to the purchase of territory. The same is 



THE TEXAN BOUNDARY CONSIDERED. 71 

apparent from the letters of Mr. Slidell, who was sent to arrange 
all matters in dispute between the two governments. 

It is evident that the Congress of the United States did not 
believe the claim of Texas to the Rio Grande tenable, for in the 
joint resolution of annexation, the language is: — "The territory 
properly included within and rightfully belonging to Texas." 
Indeed, the very phraseology employed was in consequence of a 
common conviction in the Senate, that Texas' claim to territory 
up to the Rio Grande was not just. In accordance wnth this belief, 
it was further resolved, that the United States should adjust all 
questions of boundary, the only one in dispute being the boundary 
between Texas and Mexico. The language employed was as 
follows : — 

" Section 1st. jlnd he it further resolved, That the foregoing con- 
sent of Congress is given upon the following conditions, to wit : — 

" First, said state to be formed subject to the adjustment by this 
government of all questions of boundary that may arise with other 
governments." 

The following resolution offered in the United States Senate 
by Senator Benton, will place the matter in a stronger light: — 

" Resolved, That the incorporation of the left bank of the Rio del 
Norte into the American Union, by virtue of a treaty with Texas, 
comprehending, as the said incorporation would do, a part of the 
Mexican departments of New Mexico, Chihuahua, Coahuila, 
and Tamaulipas, would be an act of direct aggression on Mexico, 
for all the consequences of which the United States would stand 
responsible." 

I shall now show that our agent sent to Texas, Mr. Donelson, 
did not regard the claim of Texas as just, to the country lying on 
the Rio Grande. This is apparent in his letter to the Secretary of 
State, under date of June 23d, 1845, in which he says:— "The 
territory between the Nueces and the Rio Grande, you are aware, 
has been in possession of both parties. Texas has held in peace 



T^ HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Corpus Christi. Mexico has held Santiago. Both parties have 
had occasional possession of Laredo and other higher points. 
Mexico, however, has threatened a renewal of war for the whole 
of Texas, if she accepts tlie proposals for the annexation to the 
Union. If she undertakes such an expedition, she of course puts 
upon the hazard of war the whole claim, and gives us the right of 
goijig not only to the Rio Grande, but wherever else we may please.''^ 
In a note to the Secretary, under date of July 2d, 1845, Mr. 
Donelson reiterates the same : — 

"My position is, that we can hold Corpus Christi and all other 
points up the Nueces. If attacked, the right of defence will au- 
thorize us to expel tlie Mexicans to tJie Rio Grande.''^ 

In a letter to General Taylor, of June 28th, Mr. Donelson uses 
language of the same import :- 

"The occupation of the country between the Nueces and the 
Rio Grande, you are aware, is a disputed question. Texas holds 
Corpus Christi ; Mexico holds Santiago, near the mouth of the 

Rio Grande. 

******* 

" You can safely hold possession of Corpus Christi and all other 
points up the Nueces, aiid if Mexico attempts to dislodge you, 
drive her beyond the Rio Grande.' 

The views which Mr. Donelson entertained respecting the real 
claim of Texas, were perfectly just. She was entitled to Corpus 
Christi and the settlements on the Nueces, east of the great desert, 
but to no territory beyond the desert. 

More than this, in the preliminary treaty between Texas and 
Mexico, signed by the Texan Secretary of State, and approved 
by the President of Texas, the Texans themselves admitted the 
boundary between them and Mexico to be an unsettled question, 
as will appear from the 3d and 4th articles : — 

" .3. Limits and other conditions to be matter of arrangement 
in the final treaty. 



THE TEXAN BOUNDARY CONSIDERED. 73 

" 4. Texas will be willing to remit disputed points respecting 
territory and other matters to the arbitration of umpires." 

In a letter to Mr. Buchanan, of July 11th, 1845, Mr. Donelson 
shows the impropriety of vindicating by arms a claim to the 
territory on the Rio Grande, which Texas herself had agreed to 
settle by arbitration : — 

" The proclamation of a truce between the two nations (Mexico 
and Texas), founded on propositions mutually acceptable to them, 
leaAing the question of boundary not only an open one, but 
Mexico in possession of the east hank of the Rio Grande, seemed 
to me inconsistent with the expectation that in defence of the 
claim of Texas, our troops should march immediately to that 
river. What the Executive of Texas had determined not to fight 
for, but to settle by negotiation, to say the least of it, could be as 
well left to the United States on the same conditions." 

The above views of Mr. Donelson on the question of the bound- 
ary of Texas, were consonant both with justice and prudence, 
and in direct opposition to the course pursued by the Executive 
of the United States. 

But further, while the President claimed the territory as far as 
the Rio Grande, we were accustomed to paj' duties to Mexico at 
the custom-house at Brazos Santiago or Point Isabel. We paid 
duties also at Santa Fe, far east of the Rio Grande, and we inter- 
ceded w^ith Mexico for the American citizens taken prisoners in 
the expedition against that place. 

In March 3d, 1845, Congress passed an act relative to drawbacks 
on goods sent to " Santa Fe in Mexico." The Secretary of the 
Treasury, on referring to it in his report in the following Decem- 
ber, recognises Santa Fe as a part of Mexico. The President 
of the United States, himself, in the same message in which he 
claims as the boundary of Texas, " the Rio Grande from its 
mouth to its source," in speaking of the victories of our troops, 



74 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

admits the futility of the claim in tlie following sentence : — " By 
rapid movements the province of Kew Mexico, with Santa Fe, its 
capital, has been captured without bloodshed." Moreover, after 
taking possession of tliis portion of the Mexican territory, the 
President provided for the establishment of a military govern- 
ment, such as would temporarily follow an acquisition of territory 
by conquest. If he had considered it really a portion of Texas, 
it would, as a matter of course, have come under the control of 
the state authorities of Texas, for even the President of the United 
States could not interfere with the internal government of a 
sovereign state. 

The foregoing, in connexion with the letter of the Secretary of 
War, under date of July 8th, 1845, which we have given, and with 
the official despatch of General Taylor to the Department of War, 
of the date of February 26th, 1846, conclusively prove that the 
Rio Grande was not considered the real boundary of Texas, 
either by Texas herself, by the Congress of the United States, or its 
Executive, by the agent sent to Texas, by the Secretary of War, 
or by the commander of the forces sent to occupy Texas. As a 
military officer, however. General Taylor had no election in the 
matter, but was bound to obey the directions of the President 
as Commander-in-chief of the Army and Navy of the United 
States. 

The following letters from General Taylor to the War Depart- 
ment, after he was ordered to advance to the Puo Grande, are 
necessary to an understanding of tlie causes which led directly to 
the commencement of hostilities between Mexico and the United 
States. 

" Head- Quarters, Akmy of Occupation, i 
Corpus Christi, Texas, February 4, 1846. J 

"Sir: I respectfully acknowledge the communication of the 
Secretary- of War, dated January 13th, and containing the in- 
structions of the President to move forward with my force to the 



LETTERS FROM TAYLOR. 75 

Rio Grande. I shall lose no time in making the necessary pre- 
parations for carrying out those instructions. 

" The occupation of Point Isabel or Brazos Santiago as a depot 
will be indispensable. That point, and a position on or near 
the river opposite Matamoros, will, I think, answer all present 
purposes. At any rate, I shall not separate my force further 
vmtil the position of affairs shall render it entirely safe to do so. 

" I propose to abandon this position entirely, as soon after our 
march as the stores, hospital, &c., can be transferred to St. Jo- 
seph's Island. It will be necessary to keep up an establishment 
at that point for the present, although our supplies will come to 
Point Isabel direct from New Orleans. 

" In reply to the call of the Secretary for information as to what 
means, if any, will be required ' to enforce and maintain our 
(>ommon right to navigate' the Rio Grande, I would respectfully 
state that, until I reach the river and ascertain the condition of 
things in the frontier states of Mexico, temper of the people, &c., 
I cannot give any satisfactory answer to the question. I have 
every reason to believe that the people residing on the river are 
well disposed towards our government. Our advance to the Rio 
Grande will itself produce a powerful effect, and it may be that 
the common navigation of the river wnll not be disputed. It is 
very important to us, and will be indispensable when posts are 
established higher up, as must ultimately be the case. 

" I shall not call for any militia force in addition to what I 
already have, unless unforeseen circumstances shall render its em- 
])loyment necessary. 

'< I beg leave again to call the attention of the Department to 

the necessity of having our movement and position at Brazos 

Santiago covered by a small armed vessel. I deem this vitally 

important, and hope it will meet with favourable consideration. 

" We have no news from the interior of Mexico more recent 

12 



76 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Than that derived from the New Orleans papers of the 26th of 
January. 

<■<■ I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Z. TAYLOR, 
Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. A. commanding. 
The Adjutant-Genei-al of the Army, Washington, D. C." 

" Head-Quarters, Army of Occitation, j 
Corpus Christi, Texas, February 2(), 1846. S 

" Sir : I have to report that the preparations for a forward move- 
ment of this command are now nearly completed. The exami- 
nations spoken of in my report of the 16th instant have shown 
the practicability of both routes — by the main land and by Padre 
Island. The reconnoissance of Padre Island extended to its 
southern extremity, and included the harbour of Brazos Santiapjo 
and Point Isabel ; that of the main route reached to a point near 
the Little Colorado. A depot, with four days' forage, and sub- 
sistence for the army, will be thrown forward some forty miles, 
to the Santa Gertrudes. A detachment of two companies, to 
establish and cover this depot, will march, on the 28th, under 
Brevet Major Graham. In about a week thereafter, say the 7th 
of March, the cavalry will march, to be followed, at intervals of 
one day, by the brigades of infantry. By the 25th of March, at 
latest, I hope to be in position on the Rio Grande. 

" I have taken occasion to represent to some citizens of Mata- 
moros, who were here with a large number of mules for sale, 
and who are represented to have considerable influence at home, 
that the United States government, in occupying the Rio Grande, 
has no motive of hostility towards Mexico, and that the army 
will, in no case, go beyond the river, unless hostilities should be 
commenced by the Mexicans themselves ; that the Mexicans 
living on this side will not be disturbed in any way by the 
troops ; that they will be protected in all their usages ; and that 
everjihing which the army may need will be purchased from 



TEXAN BOUNDARY. 77 

them at fair prices. I also stated that, until the matter should be 
finally adjusted between the two governments, the harbour of 
Brazos Santiago would be open to the free use of the Mexicans 
as heretofore. The same views were impressed upon the Mexican 
custom-house officer at Brazos Santiago by Captain Hardee, who 
commanded the escort which covered the reconnoissance of 
Padre Island. 

" We are entirely without news of interest from the frontier, or 
the interior of Mexico, our latest date from the capital being the 
21st of January, and the same from Vera Cruz. 

" I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Z. TAYLOR, 
Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. JJ. commanding. 

The Adjutant-General of the Army, Washington, D. C." 

Now, it has been contended by some, that the advance to the 
Rio Grande was not the cause of the war, — that Mexico would 
have declared war anyhow, — and that, as Paredes published his 
manifesto on the 23d of April, 1846, it is impossible that the arri- 
val of General Taylor upon the Rio Grande, which took place on 
the 28th of March, could have been reported in Mexico, delibe- 
rated upon, and orders for the commencement of hostilities for- 
warded to General Arista, by the 24th of April. But, it will be 
recollected, that direction to march to the Rio Grande was given 
to General Taylor, October 16th, 1845, three months before the 
peremptory order of the 1.3th of January ; and that General Tay- 
lor, while at Corpus Christi, made no secret of the. intended 
advance to the Rio Grande, but openly conversed with influential 
citizens of Mexico respecting it, with the view of conciliating 
them. Hence we perceive that, long before he reached the Rio 
Grande, and possibly before he left Corpus Christi, his intended 
march was known to the Mexican government. The language 
of General Taylor, in his letter of February 26th, makes this 
clear : — " I have taken occasion to represent to some citizens of 



78 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR, 

Matamoros, who were here with a large number of mules for sale, 
and who are represented to have considerable influence at home, 
that the United States government, in occupying the Rio Grande, 
has no motive of hostility towards Mexico, and that the army will 
in no case go beyond the river, unless hostilities should be com- 
menced by the Mexicans themselves," 

In the final note of Sefior Lanzas to Mr, Slidell, dated March 
12th, from the following passage, it would seem that the Mexican 
government was already aware of the intended advance of the 
American army, in which he impugns the sincerity of the United 
States, which, he says, were "jarqpoww^ peace at the very moment 
wJien they are ccaising their squadrons and their troops to advance 
upon the ports and frontiers of Mexico, exacting a humiliation im- 
possible to be submitted to, in order to find a pretext, if no reason 
can be found, which may occasion the breaking out of hostili- 
ties," 

But the manifesto of Paredes, which we shall give in the due 
course of narrative, will itself set the matter at rest, for he ex- 
pressly states — tliat he does not declare war, but merely defends 
the Mexican territory which has been invaded. His language 
is : — " I solemnly announce that I do not declare war against the 
United States of America, because it pertains to the august Congress 
of the nation, and not to the Executive , to settle definitely the repara- 
tion which so many aggressions demand. But the defence of the 
Mexican territory, which the United States troops invade, is an 
urgent necessity, and my responsibility would be immense before 
the nation, if I did not give commands to repel those forces who 
act like enemies, and I have so commanded. From this day com- 
mences a defensive war, and those points of our territory which 
are invaded or attacked, will be energetically defended," 

And, that Paredes knew of tlie advance of the American army, 
is beyond dispute ; for in his manifesto he enumerates among the 
acts of aggression, the occupation of Padre Island, Point Isabel, 




MAJ. GEN. WILLIAM J. WORTH 



IMARCH TO THE RIO GRANDE. 79 

and the right bank of the Rio Bravo : " Meanwhile the army of 
the United States encamped at Corpus, Christi, and occupied the 
Ma del Padre; following this, they then moved to the Point 
Santa Isabel, and their standard of the stars and stripes waved on 
the right bank of the Rio Bravo del Norte, opposite the city of 
Matamoros, blockading that river with their vessels of war." 

Now, as the Army of Occupation remained seven months and 
eleven days at Corpus Christi without interruption, but was im- 
mediately opposed on passing the bounds over which Texas pos- 
sessed jurisdiction, it is, I think, sufficiently evident that war 
would not have ensued, had it not been for the advance of our 
troops to the Rio Grande, into territory which never belonged to 
Texas, and which, therefore, she could not annex to us. 

The reconnoissances which General Taylor had ordered being 
completed, he determined on the route by the main land. Accord- 
ingly, on the morning of the 8th of March, the advance of the Army 
of Occupation, under Colonel Twiggs, marched in a southerly 
direction for the Rio Grande. It consisted of the 2d regiment of 
dragoons, and Major Ringgold's light artillery, and numbered 
twenty-three officers and three hundred and seventy-eight men. 
On the 9th it was followed by the First Brigade, under General 
Worth, with Duncan's battery ; and on the 10th by the Second Bri- 
gade, under Lieutenant-Colonel Mcintosh. The Third Brigade, 
under Colonel Whistler, with Bragg's battery, struck their tents 
on the 11th, and were followed on the same day by General Tay- 
lor and his staff. 

Major Monroe embarked for Brazos Santiago, accompanied by 
Captain Sanders, of the Engineers, and the officers of the ordnance 
and the pay departments. He had with him a siege-train and a 
field-battery, which, for want of horses, was of necessity shipped. 
The movement to Brazos Santiago was covered by the revenue 
cutter Woodbury. 

Arrangements having been made by the staff departments for 



80 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

supplying the army on their inarch, as well as for establishing a 
depot at Point Isabel, tlie commanding general issued an order 
to the troops, by which he intended to relieve the apprehensions 
that might be felt by the Mexicans on account of his march into 
their country. Copies of the order were sent in advance to Mata- 
moros, Camargo, and Mier. It was as follows : — 

" Order No. 30. 

" PIead-Quakters, Army of Occupation, ) 
Corpus Christi, March 8, 1846. ] 
" The Army of Occupation of Texas being now about to take 

a position upon the left bank of the Rio Grande, under the orders 
of the Executive of the United States, the General- in-chief desires 
to express the hope that the movement will be advantageous to 
all concerned ; and with the object of attaining this laudable end, 
he has ordered all under his command to observe, with tlie most 
scrupulous respect, the rights of all the inhabitants who may be 
found in peaceful prosecution of their respective occupations, as 
well on the left as on the right side of the Rio Grande. Under 
no pretext, nor in any way, will any interference be allowed with 
the civil rights or religious privileges of the inhabitants ; but the 
utmost respect for them will be maintained. 

" Whatsoever may be needed for the use of the army will be 
bought by the proper surveyor, and paid for at the highest prices. 
The General-in-chief has the satisfaction to say that he confides 
in the patriotism and discipline of the army under his command, 
and that he feels sure that his orders will be obeyed with the 
utmost exactness. 

Z. TAYLOR, 
Brevet Brig. Gen, U. S. M. commanding.'''' 

The march of the army was of the most toilsome and exhaust- 
ing nature. The country' over which they moved was sterile, and 
destitute of vegetation, except the wiry grass of the prairie ; and 



MARCH TO THE RIO GRANDE. 81 

its surface was varied only by slight elevations, never rising to 
the dignity of hills, and by occasional skirtings of stunted wood, 
in which the musquete and prickly pear were predominant. 

As they proceeded further south, the country became more 
desolate, till they entered tlie solitudes of a vast desert, where 
vegetation was suspended, and the weary soldier, encumbered 
with his burden, was ready to sink with exhaustion from the 
heat of a tropic sun and his toilsome progress over loose and 
burning sands like heated ashes, into which, at every step, the 
foot descended. At times, when faint with marching and fevered 
with thirst, the failing energies of nature were exhilarated by the 
appearance of blue mountains in the distance, beautiful lakes 
skirted with trees, and fields clothed with verdure — and the sol- 
dier forgot his suffering and toil in expectation of hospitable 
shade and refreshing streams ; but as he advanced he either dis- 
covered that the mirage had spread a false verdure and beauty 
over barren sands, that mocked his sight, and then faded utterly 
away, or found the groves he had descried impenetrable thickets 
of thorn and cactus, that refused him shelter, and the glassy 
lakes pools of brine, which maddened the thirst they mocked. 

Beyond this, and approaching the Arroya Colorado, the country 
was much improved in appearance — the wood was increased in 
(juantity and of better growth, and the soil changed from sand to 
a dark-coloured clay, and covered with vegetation and flowers. 
The supply of fresh water, too, was abundant, and the troops in 
a measure forgot the hardships they had passed. 

As General Taylor advanced, he formed a junction of the Dra- 
goons and First and Second Brigades, and on the 20th he came 
to the Arroya Colorado, a narrow inlet of the sea, where the 
enemy made some demonstrations of an intention to resist his 
march. After ordering a reconnoissance, he made dispositions to 
cross the river, and effected the passage without opposition from 



82 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

the enemy. The following letter to the War Department gives a 
detailed account of the atfair : — 

" IlEAD-QrARTERS, Ar.MY OF OCCUPATION, ) 

Camp Three Miles south of the Arroya Colorado, March 21, 1816. ( 
"Sir: — I respectfully report that my forces are now concen- 
trated at this point, the Third Brigade having joined me to-day. 
We are nearly north of Matamoros, and about thirty miles distant. 
" The Arroya Colorado is a salt river, or rather lagoon, nearly 
one hundred yards broad, and so deep as barely to be fordable. 
It would have formed a serious obstruction to our march had the 
enemy chosen to occupy its right bank, even with a small force. 
On the 19th, the advanced corps encamped within three miles 
of the ford, and a reconnoissance was pushed for^vard to the 
river. A party of irregular cavalry (rancheros) was discovered 
on the opposite bank, but threw no obstacle in the way of ex- 
amining the ford. They, however, signified to the officer charged 
with the reconnoissance that it would be considered an act of 
hostility if we attempted to pass the river, and that we should, in 
that case, be treated as enemies. Under these circumstances, 
not knowing the amount of force that might be on the other bank, 
I deemed it prudent to make dispositions to pass the river under 
fire, for which please see my ' Orders,' No. 33. At an early 
hour on the 20th, the Cavalry and First Brigade of Infantry were 
in position at the ford, the batteries of field artillery being so 
placed as to sweep the opposite bank. While these dispositions 
were in progress, the party that had shown themselves the day 
before again made their a})pearance. I sent Captain Mansfield 
to communicate with the officer in command, who said that he 
had positive orders to fire upon us if we attempted to cross i\w 
river. Another party then made its appearance, and passed the 
river to communicate with me. One of them (who was repre- 
sented as the adjutant-general of the Mexican troops) repeated 
substantially what had been sent before, viz. : that tliey had 



PASSAGE OF THE ARROYA COLORADO. 83 

peremptory orders to fire upon us, and that it would be consi- 
dered a declaration of war if we passed the river. He placed in 
my hands, at the same time, a proclamation of General Mejia, 
issued at Matamoros, a day or two previous, which I enclose. I 
informed the officer that I should immediately cross the river, and 
if any of his party showed themselves on the other bank after the 
passage commenced, they would receive the fire of our artillery. 
In the mean time, the Second Brigade (which had encamped some 
miles in my rear) came up and formed on the extreme right. The 
crossing was then commenced and executed in the order pre- 
scribed. Not a shot was fired ; and a reconnoissance of cavalry, 
sent immediately forward, discovered the party w'hich had occu- 
pied the bank retreating in the direction of Matamoros. Agree- 
ably to my orders, they were not molested. The Cavalry and 
First and Second Brigades of Infantry, with a train of two hun- 
dred wagons, crossed over and encamped at this point, three 
miles distant, at an early hour in the afternoon. 

" I have thought proper to make a detailed report of this opera- 
tion, as being the first occasion on which the Mexicans have 
shown themselves in an attitude decidedly hostile. It has also 
furnished an excellent opportunity for the instruction of the 
troops, and for displaying their discipline and spirit, which, I am 
gratified to be able to say, were everything that could be desired. 

" I am compelled to remain at this point until joined by the su])- 
[)ly train of the Third Brigade, which is unavoidably in the rear. 
On the 23d, at latest, I expect to resume the march, but am not 
fully decided as to the direction. While Matamoros is the point 
to be ultimately attained, it is necessary, at the same time, to 
cover our supplies, which will soon arrive at Point Isabel. 

" From the best information I am able to obtain, the enemy is 

not in force on this side of the Rio Grande. A few rancheros 

are still on the route hence to Matamoros. It is believed that 

there may be nearly two thousand troops in that place, but what 

13 



84 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

proportion of regular troops I cannot state with confidence. The 
arrival of General Ampudia is expected from the interior ; but 
the accounts I receive of his movements are quite contradictory. 
" I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Z. TAYLOR, 
Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. A. commanding. 
The Adjutant-General of the Army, Washington, D. C." 

Of the proclamation to which General Taylor alludes in the 
foregoing letter, we give as much as is necessary to show that 
the Mexicans considered the advance of the Americans into their 
territory as equivalent to a declaration of war. 

" The general-in-chief of the forces assembled against the enemy, 
to the inhabitants of this department and the troops under his 
command. 

" FELLow-CrTizENS : — The annexation of the department of 
Texas to the United States, projected and consummated by the 
tortuous policy of the cabinet of the Union, does not yet satisfy 
the ambitious desires of the degenerate sons of Washington. 
The civilized world has already recognised in that act all the 
marks of injustice, iniquity, and the most scandalous violation 
of the rights of nations. Indelible is the stain which will for 
ever darken the character for virtue falsely attributed to the peo- 
ple of the United States ; and posterity will regard with horror 
their perfidious conduct, and the immorality of the means em- 
})loyed by them to carry into effect that most degrading depreda- 
tion. The right of conquest has always been a crime against 
humanity ; but nations jealous of their dignity and reputation 
have endeavoured at least to cover it by the splendour of arms 
and the prestige of victory. To the United States it has been 
reserved to put in practice dissimulation, fraud, and the basest 
treachery, in order to obtain possession, in the midst of peace. 



mejia's proclamation. 85 

of the territory of a friendly nation, which generously relied upon 
the faith of promises and the solemnity of treaties. 

" The cabinet of the United States does not, however, stop in 
its career of usurpation. Not only does it aspire to the possession 
of the department of Texas, but it covets also the regions on the 
left bank of the Rio Bravo. Its army, hitherto for some time sta- 
tioned at Corpus Christi, is now advancing to take possession of 
a large part of Tamaulipas ; and its vanguard has arrived at the 
Arroya Colorado, distant eighteen leagues from this place. What 
expectations, therefore, can the Mexican government have of 
treating with an enemy, who, whilst endeavouring to lull us into 
security, by opening diplomatic negotiations, proceeds to occupy 
a territory which never could have been the object of the pending 
discussion ? The limits of Texas are certain and recognised ; 
never have they extended beyond the river Neuces; notwith- 
standing which, the American army has crossed the line sepa- 
rating Tamaulipas from that department. Even though Mexico 
could forget that the United States urged and aided the rebellion 
of the former colonists, and that the principle, giving to an inde- 
pendent people the right to annex itself to another nation, is not 
applicable to the case, in which the latter has been the protector 
of the independence of the former, with the object of admitting it 
into its own bosom ; even though it could be accepted as an 
axiom of international law, that the violation of every I'ule of mo- 
rality and justice might serve as a legitimate title for acquisition ; 
nevertheless, the territory of Tamaulipas would still remain 
beyond the law of annexation, sanctioned by the American Con- 
gress ; because that law comprises independent Texas, the ground 
occupied by the rebellious colony, and in no wise includes other 
departments, in which the Mexican government has uninterrupt- 
edly exercised its legitimate authority, 

" Fellow-countrymen : With an enemy which respects not its 
own laws, which shamelessly derides the very principles invoked 



HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 



by it previously, in order to excuse its ambitious views, we have 
no other resource than arms. We are fortunately always pre- 
pared to take them up with ^lory, in defence of out country ; 
little do we regard the blood in our veins, when we are called on 
to shed it in vindication of our honour, to assure our nationality 
and independence. If to the torrent of devastation which 
threatens us it be necessary to oppose a dike of steel, our swords 
will form it ; and on their sharp points will the enemy receive 
the fruits of his anticipated conquest. If the banks of the Panuco 
have been immortalized by the defeat of an enemy, respectable 
and worthy of the valour of Mexico, those of the Bravo shall 
witness the ignominy of the proud sons of the north, and its deep 
waters shall serve as the sepulchre of those w^ho dare to approach 
it. The flame of patriotism which burns in our hearts will 
receive new fuel from the odious presence of the conquerors ; and 
the cry of Dolores and Iguala shall be re-echoed with harmony 
to our ears, when we take up our march to oppose our naked 

breasts to the rifles of the hunters of the Mississippi. 

***■***# 

FRANCISCO MEJIA. 

Matamoros, March 18, 1846." 

On the evening of the 21st, the Third Brigade crossed the 
Colorado and encamped near the other brigades, and the whole 
rested on the 22d, to enable the ox- teams to come up, which had 
been left behind in order to accelerate the movements of the 
troops. 

General Taylor had intended to march direct .to Matamoros, 
but hearing that the Mexicans in force occupied Point Isabel, the 
contemplated depot for his military stores, and unwilling to leave 
an enemy in his rear, so as to endanger his subsistence, Iw 
changed his intention and marched upon Point Isabel. That he 
might be ready in case of emergency to form the troops in line 
of battle with great readiness, the order of march was in four 



CARDENAs' DESPATCH. 87 

columns, the Dragoons being on the right, the Third Brigade on 
the left, and the First and Second Brigades in the centre. 

On the 24th, upon reaching a point on the route from Matamoros 
to Point Isabel, eighteen miles from the former, and ten from the lat- 
ter place, he learned that Point Isabel was not occupied by troops, 
and directed General Worth to move towards Matamoros, while he 
himself proceeded w'ith the dragoons and the empty wagons of 
the train to Point Isabel. On approaching the place. General 
Taylor was met by a deputation of citizens of the state of Ta- 
maulipas, who came to present a protest of the Prefect against 
his advance into their country. He promised to give them an 
audience when he halted the troops, but when near Point Isabel, 
the rising smoke indicated that the Mexicans had fired the place ; 
when he dismissed the deputation, informing them that he would 
answer their protest wdien opposite to Matamoros. Having de- 
tached Colonel Twiggs with the advance of the dragoons to arrest 
the flames. General Taylor found on his arrival that the conflagra- 
tion had done but little damage ; and had the further good fortune 
to find that, agreeably to his well concerted arrangements, the 
steamboats from Corpus Christi with the supplies, had just entered 
the port. 

The protest to which we have referred was as follows : — 

" Office of the Prefect of the Northcin District of the Department of Ta- 
maulipas. 

'' God and Liberty ! 

"Santa Rita, March 23, 1846. 

" Sir : Although the pending question respecting the annexation 
of the department of Texas to the United States is subject to the 
decision of the supreme government of Mexico, the fact of the 
advance of the army, under your excellency's orders, over the 
line occupied by you at Corpus Christi, places me under the ne- 
cessity, as the chief political authority of the northern district of 



88 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Tamaulipas, to address you, as I have now the honour to do, 
through the commissioners, who will place this in your hands, 
and to inform you that the people under this prefecture, being 
justly alarmed at tlie invasion of an army, which, without any 
previous declaration of war, and without announcing explicitly 
the object proposed by it, comes to occupy a territory which never 
belonged to the insurgent province, cannot regard wnth indiffer- 
ence a proceeding so contrary to the conduct observed towards 
each other by civilized nations, and to the clearest principles of 
tlie law of nations ; that, directed by honour and patriotism, and 
certain that nothing has been said officially by the cabinet of the 
Union to the Mexican government, respecting the extension of 
the limits of Texas to the left bank of the Rio Bravo, trusting in 
the well-known justice of their cause, and using their natural right 
of defence, they (the citizens of this districts protest, in the most 
solemn manner, that neither now nor at any time do they, or will 
they consent to separate themselves from the Mexican republic, 
and to unite themselves with the United States, and that they are 
resolved to carry this firm determination into effect, resisting, so 
far as their strength will enable them, at all times and places, 
until the army under your excellency's orders shall recede and 
occupy its former positions ; because, so long as it remains within 
the territory of Tamaulipas, the inhabitants must consider that 
whatsoever protestations of peace may be made, hostilities have 
been openly commenced by your excellency, the lamentable con- 
sequences of which will rest before the world exclusively on the 
heads of the invaders. 

" I have the honour to say this to your excellency, with the 
object indicated, and to assure you of my consideration and es- 
teem. 

JENES CARDENAS. 

Juan Jose Pineda. 
To General Z. Taylor, &c." 



ARRIVAL AT THE RIO GRANDE. 



As Point Isabel was to be the depot of all military stores for the 
Army of Occupation, it was accordingly surveyed with a view to 
its defence, and Captain Sanders of the Engineers ordered to 
construct the necessary works. In addition to the troops origi- 
nally intended for the defence of the post, Captain Porter's com- 
pany was ordered to the place as a reinforcement ; and the whole 
placed under the command of Major Monroe. 

Having thrown forward a sufficient amount of supplies towards 
Matamoros, General Taylor proceeded with the dragoons and 
staff to join General Worth, who had advanced with the brigades 
on the 24th six miles towards Matamoros, and again three miles 
on the 25th, encamping at Palo Alto, near the place where the 
battle afterwards occurred, and which General Taylor then indi- 
cated as the place which the enemy would probably select, should 
he desire to meet them in an open field. The junction of the troops 
■was effected on the 27th, and orders issued to march on the 28t]i 
for the town of Matamoros, At eight o'clock, on the morning of 
the 28th, the troops were put in motion ; and after a march through 
a beautiful and picturesque country, reached the Rio Grande op- 
posite Matamoros at eleven o'clock A. M., and planted upon its 
banks the standard of the " Stripes and Stars." The point of des- 
tination had been gained. At their feet rolled the waters of the far- 
famed river, and beyond rose the city of Matamoros in its beauty, 
with the Mexican colours gaily flying from the Place d'Artillerie, 
the quarters of the military commandant, and the prominent places 
of the city. When the American flag was spread to the breeze, 
its presence was greeted by the cross of St. George, and th(! 
French and Spanish colours run up from the different consulates. 

As the American troops advanced towards the Rio Grande, 
large parties of irregular Mexican troops retreated before them, 
by whom two of our dragoons, far in advance of the rest, were 
captured, which created some excitement among our soldiers. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Interview between General Worth and the Authorities of Matamoros — Intrench- 
ments thrown up — Fort Brown — Murder of Colonel Cross — Arrival of General 
Ampudia — Artful Address to the Foreigners in the American Army— Correspond- 
ence between Ampudia and General Taylor — Blockade of the Rio Grande — First 
Rencontre— Body of Colonel Cross found— The Burial— Arista's Arrival— Pro- 
clamation of Paredes— Correspondence between Arista and Taylor — Recapitula- 
tion of the Causes of the War. 

DiRKCTLY after the planting of the American colours on the Rio 
Grande, General Worth and staff were directed to cross the river 
with an open communication for General Mejia, the commander 
of the Mexican forces in JNIatamoros, and a sealed one for the civil 
authorities. General Mejia, on a point of etiquette, refused to re- 
ceive General Worth in person ; but, after some delay. General 
Vega, representing the military authorities of Matamoros, and the 
Licenciado Casares the civil authorities, were deputed to meet 
General Worth and receive any communication which he had to 
make from his commanding-general. 

In the interview which took place. General Vega complained 
of the march of the American troops into the department of Ta- 
raaulipas as an act of aggression ; to which General Worth replied 
that the question of the right of territory was a matter to be settled 
by the two governments. Finding that General Mejia refused to 
receive from him the despatch with which he was charged. Gene- 
ral Worth withdrew it, but delivered to the Licenciado Casares 
the sealed document for the civil authorities. 

During the interview, General Worth repeatedly requested per- 
mission to see the American Consul, and, when finally refused, 

(90) 



FORT BROWN. 91 

stated that the refusal was considered a belligerent act; and, after 
announcing that the commanding-general would regard the pas- 
sage of any armed party of Mexicans across the Rio Grande as 
an act of war, promptly terminated the conference. 

Both parties now})repared for the contest which was inevitable. 
General Taylor ordered Major Mansfield of the Engineers to make 
the necessary surveys and throw up suitable works, while the Mexi- 
cans were active in strengthening their former defences and estab- 
lishing new ones. On the 29th the Mexicans mounted a heavy 
gun in a battery of sand-bags, and contemplated a night attack. 
The reported crossing of a large body of cavalry led General 
Taylor to believe their object was to attack Point Isabel, while 
at the same time they opened their batteries on the troops opposite 
Matamoros. Accordingly he gave out the watchword and ordered 
the men to sleep upon their arms, while he despatched Captain 
May with a squadron of dragoons to reach Point Isabel, twenty- 
seven miles distant, in the space of four hours, to put Major Mon- 
roe on his guard and reinforce the garrison. The morning of the 
30th dawned, however, without an attack, and the Mexicans lost 
the golden opportunity of assailing their enemy while encamped 
in open field. 

The defences under Major Mansfield, an active and accom- 
plished officer, were prosecuted with energy. By the 6th of April 
a battery was completed for four 18-pounders, and the guns 
placed in battery bearing "directly upon the public square of 
Matamoros, and within good range for demolishing the town." 
In rear of the battery they broke ground on the 8th for the prin- 
(•ipal intrenchment, a strong field-fort with six bastions, capable 
of holding two thousand men. It was afterwards named Fort 
Brown, in honour of the brave Major Brown who was killed in its 
defence. Along the Rio Grande on either side, fronting each 
other for the space of two miles, thus lay the hostile armies within 
musket-range — their batteries shotted — the guns pointed at each 
14 



92 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

other — and the officers and men impatient for the order to light the 
matches, and commence the work of destruction. 

On the 10th, Colonel Trueinan Cross, Deputy Quartermaster- 
General of the army, rode out as usual for air and exercise, but 
the day passed away without his return, and fearful apprehensions 
began to be felt for his safety, as the country was known to be 
full of rancheros, or irregular cavalry, who were prowling about 
for plunder, and spared neither age nor rank. Towards evening 
cannon were fired to direct him, if lost, and parties were subse- 
sequently out to search for him. Letters were also sent to the 
commandant at Matamorosto inquire for him, but no intelligence 
could be obtained. 

On the 11th, the firing of a salute, the ringing of the church- 
bells, the music of the bands, and a parade of all the troops in 
Matamoros, announced the arrival of General Ampudia; and all 
expected the immediate commencement of hostilities. 

His advent had been preceded by the following ingenious appeal 
to the naturalized citizens of the United States in the army of 
General Taylor, and had probably been suggested by the frequent 
desertions that had taken place from that class of soldiers: — 

"The Commander-in-cliief of the Mexican Army, to the English and Irish 
under the orders of the American General Taylor : 

" Know ye : That the government of the United States is com- 
mitting repeated acts of barbarous aggression against the mag- 
nanimous Mexican Nation ; that the government which exists 
under ' the flag of the stars,' is unworthy of the designation of 
Christian. Recollect that you were born in Great Britain ; that 
the American government looks with coldness upon the powerful 
flag of St. George, and is provoking to a rupture the warlike people 
to whom it belongs ; President Polk boldly manifesting a desire 
to take possession of Oregon, as he has already done of Texas. 
Now, then, come with all confidence to the Mexican ranks; and 
I guaranty to you, upon my honour, good treatment, and that all 



ampudia's letter. 93 

your expenses shall be defrayed until your arrival in the beautiful 
capital of Mexico. 

" Germans, French, Poles, and individuals of other nations ' 
Separate yourselves from the Yankees, and do not contribute to 
defend a robbery and usurpation, which, be assured, the civilized 
nations of Europe look upon with the utmost indignation. Come, 
therefore, and array yourselves under the tri-coloured flag, in the 
confidence that the God of armies protects it, and that it will pro- 
tect you equally with the English. 

Head-quarters, upon the road to Matamoros, April 2d, 1846. 

PEDRO DE AMPUDIA. 

Francisco R. Moreno, AdjH of the Commander-in-chief J'' 

The day after the arrival of General Ampudia in Matamoros, 
he addressed a letter to General Taylor, in which he required him 
to withdraw from his position before Matamoros to the other side 
of the Nueces. It is plainly to be inferred from this letter that 
the Mexican government would have settled by diplomacy the 
question of the annexation of Texas, if the American troops had 
not invaded the department of Tamaulipas. The contents of 
Ampudia's letter were as follows : — 

" Head-Quarters at Matamoros, 2 o'clock P. M. 
"^ Fourth Military Division, General-in-Chief. 

April 12, 1846. 
•'' God and Liberty ! 

" To explain to you the many grounds for the just grievances 
felt by the Mexican nation, caused by the United States govern- 
ment, would be a loss of time, and an insult to your good sense ; 
I, therefore, pass at once to such explanation as I consider of 
absolute necessity. 

" Your government, in an incredible manner — you will even 
permit me to say an extravagant one, if the usages, or general 
rules established and received among all civilized nations are 
regarded — has not only insulted, but has exasperated the Mexi- 



94 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

can nation, bearing its conquering banner to the left bank of the 
Rio Bravo del Norte ; and in this case, by explicit and defaiitive 
orders of my government, which neither can, will, nor should re- 
ceive new outrages, I require you in all form, and at latest in the 
peremptory term of twenty- four hours, to break up your camp and 
retire to the other bank of the Nueces river, while our governments 
are regulating the pending question in relation to Texas. If you 
insist on remaining upon the soil of the department of Tamaulipas, 
it will clearly result that arms, and arms alone, must decide the 
question ; and, in that case, I advise you that we accept the war 
to which, with so much injustice on your part, you provoke us, 
and that, on our part, this war shall be conducted conformably to 
the principles established by the most civilized nations ; that is to 
say, that the law of nations and of war shall be the guide of my 
operations ; trusting that on your part the same will be observed. 
"Vyith this view, I tender you the considerations due to your 

person and respectable office. 

PEDRO DE AMPUDIA. 

Senor Geneial-in-chief of the U. S. Army, 
Don Z. Taylok." 

General Taylor sent word to Ampudia that he did not require 
twenty-four hours for deliberation, but would reply at ten o'clock 
the following day. Shortly after, he removed the First Brigade of 
his army to the right, out of the range of shot; and early on the 
morning of the 13th moved the Second Brigade to the left, out 
of range, while General Twiggs, with the dragoons and Ringgold's 
battery, occupied the centre, and the Third Brigade, with Bragg's 
and Duncan's batteries, took position within the interior of the 
field-work. Having made this prudent disposition of his troops 
in expectation of an immediate attack. General Taylor despatched 
the following manly reply to the peremptory requisition of General 
Ampudia: — 



Taylor's reply. 95 

" Head-Quarters Army of Occupation.) 
Camp near Matamoros, Texas, April 12, 1846. ) 

" Senor : I liave had the honour to receive your note of this 
date, in which you summon me to withdraw the forces under m> 
command from their present position, and beyond the river Nueces, 
until the pending question between our governments, relative to 
the limits of Texas, shall be settled. 

"I need hardly advise you that, charged as I am, in only a 
military capacity, with the performance of specific duties, I cannot 
enter into a discussion of the international question involved in 
the advance of the American army. You will, however, permit 
me to say, that the government of the United States has constantly 
sought a settlement, by negotiation, of the question of boundary ; 
that an envoy was despatched to Mexico for that purpose, and 
that up to the most recent dates said envoy had not been received 
by the actual Mexican government, if indeed he has not received 
his passports and left the republic. In the mean time, I have 
been ordered to occupy the country up to the left bank of the Rio 
Grande, until the boundary shall be definitely settled. In carry- 
ing out these instructions I have carefully abstained from all acts 
of hostility, obeying, in this regard, not only the letter of my 
instructions, but the plain dictates of justice and humanity. 

" The instructions under which I am acting will not permit me 
to retrograde from the position I now occupy. In view of the 
relations between our respective governments, and the individual 
suffering which may result, I regret the alternative which you offer ; 
but, at the same time, wish it understood that I shall by no means 
avoid such alternative, leaving the responsibility with those who 
rashly commence hostilities. In conclusion, you will permit mc 
to give the assurance that on my part the laws and customs of 
war among civilized nations shall be carefully observed. 

'< I have the honour to be, very respectfully, your obedient ser- 
vant, Z. TAYLOR. 
Senor General Don Pkdro de Ampudia.'' 



96 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Expecting an attack, and hearing that the enemy were crossing 
in great numbers, General Taylor despatched the 1st company 
of dragoons, 4th infantry, and Ringgold's battery to meet the 
train coming from Point Isabel, which arrived in safety on the 14th. 
The following day he blockaded the mouth of the river Bravo with 
the United States brig Lawrence, and a revenue cutter, and, on 
the 17th, ordered to the Brazos Santiago two vessels laden with 
stores for Ampudia's army. This elicited another menacing letter 
from Ampudia, to which General Taylor replied in a calm and 
dignified manner, showing that the act was the result of the belli- 
gerent attitude which General Ampudia had assumed. 

On the 19th, the first conflict took place between the Mexican 
and American troops. Two days before. Lieutenant Dobbins of 
the 3d infantry, and Lieutenant Porter of the 4th, each with a 
detachment of two non-commissioned oflficers and ten privates, 
left camp for the purpose of finding the body of Colonel Cross, 
and punishing his murderers. About noon on the 19th, Lieutenant 
Porter advanced upon a party of Mexicans, one of whom snapped 
his piece at him, whereupon he discharged both barrels of his gun, 
and his men rushing on, captured the camp of the Mexicans, with 
ten horses and their equipments, and twenty blankets. Late in 
the evening he met a second larger party, which had probably 
been joined by those he encountered in the morning, and they 
immediately fired upon his command. The lieutenant and one 
of his party fell, when the rest, unable to use their fire-arms on 
account of the rain, separated and fled. Lieutenant Porter was 
the son of the late Commodore Porter, and was a gallant young 
officer, and much esteemed in his regiment. 

On the 21st, a Mexican straggler came into camp, and stated 
tliat he knew where the body of an American officer was lying, 
and on sending out a party, the remains of Colonel Cross were 
found in a thicket, a short distance from the road leading to the 
river. He was stripped of his clothing, and the flesh was torn 



arista's address. 97 

away from his body by the vultures. On the 23d, a board of offi- 
cers assembled to report upon his death, and came to the conclu- 
sion that he was attacked and stripped by the banditti of Romano 
Falcon, and afterwards slain by that desperado by a blow upon 
the head from the butt of his pistol. 

Late in the evening of the 24th, the remains of the unfortunate 
colonel were committed to the grave, under an escort composed 
of a squadron of dragoons and eight companies of infantry, the 
whole commanded by Colonel Twiggs. The infantry occupied 
the front of the procession, the dragoons came next, and the body 
followed, drawn by six horses on the wheels of a caisson, and 
enveloped in the flag of his country. Next came a solitary 
mourner, the son of the deceased ; then a war-horse in black led 
by dragoons, followed by all the officers who w^ere not upon duty. 

From the opposite bank of the river, and from the enemy's 
works, groups of officers and soldiers looked upon the procession, 
as the body was borne and laid in its resting-place at the foot of 
the flag-staff, upon which the flag was at half-mast. Colonel Childs 
in an impressive manner read the burial-service for the dead, — 
three volleys w'ere fired over his grave — the flag was run up to its 
former position, and the dead was left to his repose in silence. 

Like his predecessor. Arista, when about to assume the com- 
mand in Matamoros, insidiously endeavoured to corrupt the Ame- 
rican soldiery, by disseminating the following artful address, the 
original draft of which was subsequently found among his baggage 
when his camp was captured on the 9th of May : — 

" General Arista's advice to the Soldiers of the United States Army. 

He.\d-Quarteks at Matamoros, April 20, 1846. 

" Soldiers ! — You have enlisted in time of peace to serve in that 

army for a specific term ; but your obligation never implied that 

you were bound to violate the laws of God, and the most sacred 

rights of friends ! The United States government, contrary to the 



98 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

wishes of a majority of all honest and honourable Americans, has 
ordered you to take forcible possession of the territory of d.friendh/ 
neighbour, who has never given her consent to such occupation. 
In other words, while the treaty of peace and commerce between 
Mexico and the United States is in full force, the United States, 
presuming on her strength and prosperity, and on our supposed 
imbecility and cowardice, attempts to make you the blind instru- 
ments of her unholy and mad ambition, and Jo7-ce you to appear 
as the hateful robbers of our dear homes, and the unprovoked 
violators of our dearest feelings as men and patriots. Such villany 
and outrage, I know, is perfectly repugnant to the noble sentiments 
of any gentleman, and it is base and foul to rush you on to certain 
death, in order to aggrandize a few lawless individuals, in defiance 
of the laws of God and man ! 

"It is to no purpose if they tell you, that the law for the 
annexation of Texas justifies your occupation of the Rio Bravo del 
Norte ; for by tliis act tliey rob us of a great part of Tamaulipas, 
Coahuila, Chihuahua, and JYew Mexico; and it is barbarous to send 
a handful of men on such an errand against a powerful and war- 
like nation. Besides, the most of you are Europeans, and we are 
the declared fiiends of a majority of the nations of Europe. The 
North Americans are ambitious, overbearing, and insolent as a 
nation, and they will only make use of you as vile tools to carry 
out their abominable plans of pillage and rapine. 

" I warn you in the name of justice, honour, and your own 
interests and self-respect, to abandon their desperate and unholy 
cause, and become peaceful Mexican citizens. I guarantee you, 
in such case, a half section of land, or three hundred and twenty 
acres, to settle upon, gratis. Be wise, then, and just, and lion- 
ourable, and take no part in murdering us who have no unkind 
feelings for you. Lands shall be given to officers, sergeants, and 
corporals, according to rank, privates receiving three hundred and 
twenty acres, as slated. 



PAREDES' PROCLAMATION. 99 

" If, in time of action, you wisli to espouse our cause, throw- 
away your arms and run to us, antl we will embrace you as true 
friends and Christians. It is not decent nor prudent to say more. 
But should any of you render important service to Mexico, you 
shall be accordingly considered and preferred. 

M. ARISTA, 
Commander-in-ckief of the Mexican Army.'''' 

On the 23d of April, General Paredes issued a proclamation 
of defensive war to the people of Mexico, from which we make the 
following extracts : — 

" At the time Mr. Slidell presented himself, the troops of the 
United States occupied our territory, their squadrons threatened 
our ports, and they prepared to occupy the peninsula of the Cali- 
fornias, of which the question of the Oregon with England is only 
a preliminary. Mr, Slidell was not received, because the dignity 
of the nation repelled this new insult. Meanw^iile the array of 
the United States encamped at Corpus Christi, and occupied the 
Ida del Padre ; following this, they then moved to the point Santo 
Isabel, and their standard of the stars and stripes waved on the 
right bank of the Rio Bravo del Norte, opposite the city of Mata- 
moros, blockading that river with their vessels of war. The vil- 
lage of Laredo was surprised by a party of their troops, and a 
small party of our men, reconnoitring there, were disarmed. 
Hostilities, then, have been commenced, by the United States of 
North America, beginning new conquests upon the frontier terri- 
tories of the departments of Tamaulipas and New Leon, and pro- 
gressing at such a rate, that troops of the same United States 
threaten Monterey in Upper California. No one can doubt which 
of the two republics is responsible for this war : a w'ar w^hich any 
sense of equity and justice, and respect for the rights and laws 
of civilized nations, might have avoided. 

"I have commanded the General-in-chief of our forces on the 
15 



100 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Northern frontier, to repel all hostilities offered to us, which is 
actual war against any power making war on us, and calling upon 
the God of battles, He will preserve the valour of our troops, the 
Tinquestionable right to our territory, and the honour of those arms 
which are used only in defence of justice. Our general will 
govern himself by the established usages of civilized warfare. 
With orders from me to prevent, it possible, the effiision of blood, 
he will intimate to the General-in-chief of the American troops 
that he shall return to the other side of the Rio de las Nueces, the 
ancient limits of Texas. Those nations interested in preserving 
the peace of so many years, and who may be injured in their 
commercial relations with the Mexican republic, will perceive the 
hard alternative to which they are reduced, by the politic invasion 
of the United States, and they (the nations) must succumb or de- 
fend their existence thus compromised. I solemnly announce 
that I do not declare war against the United States of America, 
because it pertains to the august Congi'ess of that nation, and not 
to the Executive, to settle definitely the reparation which so many 
aggressions demand. 

" But the defence of the Mexican territory, which the United 
States troops invade, is an urgent necessity, and my responsibility 
would be immense before the nation, if I did not give commands 
to repel those forces who act like enemies, and I have so com- 
manded. From this day commences a defensive war, and those 
points of our territory which are invaded or attacked will be ener- 
getically defended." 

On the 24th, a grand review and great military rejoicing, 
announced the arrival of Arista in Matamoros. In the evening a 
parley was sounded on the Mexican side of the river, and a mes- 
senger brought to General Taylor the following letter directed to 
<■<■ the Gencral-in-chiof of the forces of the United States encamped 
opposite Matamoros." 



arista's letter to TAYLOR. 101 

'^Mexican Army. 

" The course of events since the annexation of Texas to the 
United States was declared, has been so clearly hostile to Mexico, 
and so foreign to the dignity and principles which the Americans 
have proclaimed to the world, that we come to the conclusion 
that their policy has changed, and their moderation is turned into 
a desire of aggrandizement, enriching themselves by humiliating 
their neighbours. 

" The respect and consideration that friendly nations show to 
each other have been trampled upon, by which reason the justice 
and excessive moderation of Mexico shine forth still more. Pressed 
and forced into war, we enter into a struggle, that cannot be 
avoided without failing in what is most sacred in man. 

" Political discussions do not appertain to military men, but to 
diplomatic agents ; to us belongs the part to act, without it occa- 
sioning any surprise that the troops under my command should 
not wait for anything else to give battle. 

"We Mexicans have been calumniated as barbarous, in the 
most caustic and unjust terms ; the occasion has arrived to show 
what we are, and I do not believe that in the troops under my 
command there will be any cause to confirm such suppositions, 
as they will cause to shine the feelings of humanity and generosity 
that distinguish them. 

" For the first time, I have tlie honour to offer your Excellency 
my great consideration. God and liberty! 

MARIANO ARISTA. 

Head-Quarters. Matamoros, April 24, 1846." 

This official communication was accompanied by a polite private 
note, in which General Arista announced his intention to conduct 
the war in which they were about to engage according to the 
laws which courtesy and humanity impose on modern civilization. 

Wc have now traced the progress of events from the first mis- 



102 HISTORY OF Tin: MEXICAN WAR. 

understanding between the two coimtries to the commencement 
of actual hostilities; and, notwithstanding the belligerent attitude 
which Mexico assumed by recalling her minister immediately 
after the annexation of Texas to the United States, it is evident, 
from the subsequent actions and correspondence of the Mexican 
authorities, that war would not have occurred, had it not been for 
the advance of the American army into territory which Mexico 
believed to be, and which was, a part, not of Texas but of Mexico. 
But we not only invaded the territory of the Mexican republic ; 
we first commenced hostilities, when on the 18th of April " Lieu- 
tenant Porter, at the head of his own detachment, surprised a 
Mexican camp, drove away the men, and took possession of their 
horses."* Though we are obliged, in candour, to make these 
admissions, we would not be understood as holding the opinion 
that there were not just grounds for war against a country which 
had outraged the American flag, imprisoned our citizens and con- 
fiscated their property, and violated the solemn faith of treaties. 
But, while there existed so many causes, all or any of which would 
have justified a declaration of war on our part, it is a matter of 
supreme regret, that, after, tlie magnanimous forbearance which we 
had exhibited towards Mexico, and unwillingness to appeal to the 
last resort of nations, war was at length brought on by an act, 
and in a manner, totally unjustifiable. 

When the Mexican minister Almonte, after the annexation of 
I'exas, demanded his passports and menaced war, all usage, both 
ancient and modern, of civilized nations, would have justified the 
American Congress in declaring immediate war, and ordering the 
armies of the republic into Mexico, without waiting for her to 
strike the first blow. But, while the Congress of the United States 
is disposed to continue the exercise of that magnanimous forbear- 
ance which had characterized her intercourse with a sister repub- 
lic, the Executive, by an assumption of power not warranted in 

* Ceneral Taylor's Letter to the Secretary of War, April 23. 



CAUSES OF THE WAR. 103 

the Constitution, and without the knowledge and consent of Con- 
gress, orders the American army into the territory of Mexico and 
precipitates the country into war. Had it not been for this, no 
conflict in arms between the republics would have arisen, and the 
outpouring of blood and treasure expended upon this contest would 
have been avoided ; for it is evident, that, altliough Mexico felt 
herself aggrieved by the annexation of Texas to the United States, 
neither the people nor the government would have seriously con- 
templated war on that account, had not the invasion of the Mexi- 
can territory been superadded. 

It is true, Mexico had no just cause of offence in the case of 
Texas, for that republic, free and independent, had a right to 
dispose of her own territory as she pleased ; but some degree of 
allowance and forbearance was due even to the prejudices of a 
country which had seen a portion of its territory dismembered by 
those who had formerly been citizens of the United States, and 
afterwards annexed to that country. If a little time had been 
allowed for the wounded pride of Mexico to heal, and we had 
abstained from aggression upon her territory, better feelings and 
better counsels would have prevailed with her, and a treaty alike 
honourable to both would have arranged all difficulties between 
us. If the Rio Grande was desirable as a boundary, instead of 
the great desert, which was the true boundary, a very small part 
of the money that has been expended in the war, would have se- 
cured it to the nation by purchase. 

I love my country much — I honour her brave sons — I admire 
the gallant chiefs and their soldiery, who throughout this war have 
wreathed their brows with the laurels of victory — I venerate the 
mighty dead, who 'with garments dyed in blood,' have made 
their beds of glory upon the battle-field, and have bequeathed 
names of immortality to the republic ; but the love of trutii witli 
a historian should be paramount to the love of country. The eye 
of justice should not be blinded by the blaze of glory; and, what- 



104 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

ever splendour has crowned the achievements of our troops in 
this war — however widely the power and majesty of our arms by 
means of it have been spread abroad among the nations, I can but 
feel that the manner in which it was brought on, was unjust, and 
reprehend as dangerous to the republic the precedent that has 
been set by the Executive, of involving the nation in war without 
the privity and consent of Congress. 

Of what avail arc the guaranties of the constitution that Con- 
gress alone shall declare war, when the American Executive can, 
at any time, bring on a war, by ordering the troops of the republic 
into foreign territory, or even into territory which we claim that 
lies in dispute ? In the case of this weaker neighbour, though 
great have been the sacrifices of life and treasure, the consequences 
have not been serious ; but who can imagine what the end would 
have been, if, in the dispute about Oregon, the President, without 
consulting Congress, had ordered the American army to the 
boundary as claimed in 54° 40' ? 

Another serious evil is, that a war thus brought on without pre- 
paration has for a time to be sustained with the inadequate men 
and means of a peace establishment ; and thus, at the onset, the 
prestige of victory may be in favour of the enemy, and to some 
extent influence the future contest. 

In 1845, with that prudent forecast for which he is remarkable, 
General Scott had recommended an increase of the army by 
filling up the skeleton regiments, but his prudent suggestions 
were neglected both by Congress and the President. In every- 
thing there was a want of due preparation. The meagre force 
comprising the Army of Occupation, was collected by withdraw- 
ing the troops from the forts and military posts, which in many 
cases upon the seaboard and the frontier were thus left without 
a garrison, while even for this small force, thrown forward into 
an enemy's territory, like a forlorn hope, to provoke and bring on 
a war, the provision for munitions, subsistence, and transporta- 
tion, was totally insufficient. 



CHAPTER VII. 

Capture of Captain Thornton's Command — Exultation of the Enemy — Council-of- 
war — Contemplated Attack of Arista — Arrivalof Captain Walker — Skirmish with 
the ^Mexicans — Arista crosses the Rio Grande — March of General Taylor to Point 
Isabel — Garrison of Fort Brown — Religious Ceremonies — Bombardment of Fort 
Brown — Death of IVIajor Brown — Arista's Summons to surrender — Hawkins's 
Reply — Battle of Palo Alto heard at Fort Brown — Resaca de la Palma — Mexican 
Fugitives. 

Reports having reached the American camp, that the INIexicans 
were crossing the river above and below, in great force. Captain 
Ker was despatched to the lower ford wuth a body of dragoons to 
ascertain the truth of the report, and on the evening of the 25th 
Captain Thornton was despatched to the upper ford, for the like 
purpose, accompanied by Captain Hardee, Lieutenants Kane and 
Mason, and sixty-one non-commissioned officers and privates. 
Captain Ker returned with his party without discovering any of 
the enemy. Thornton proceeded with his command up the river 
about twenty-four miles, and as he supposed within about three 
miles of the camp of the enemy, when his Mexican guide refused 
to proceed further, from a belief that the whole country was 
occupied by Mexican soldiers. Thornton with his command 
pressed on about two miles further, when he reached a firm-house 
enclosed by a thicket of chaparral, except on the side lying next 
to the river. The ground in this direction was boggy and 
impassable. Entering the enclosure through a pair of bars, 
Thornton with his command approached the house, when by a 
sudden firing from the surrounding chaparral, the Americans per- 
ceived that they were encompassed by the enemy, who were 

(105) 



jQg HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

afterwards found to be about twenty-five hundred in number. 
Promptly wheeling his command, Thornton ordered a charge, 
and attempted to escape by the way he had entered, but the 
dense files of the enemy prevented. Captain Hardee now rode 
up to offer some suggestion, when a shot struck Captain Thorn- 
ton's horse, and the beast, maddened by the wound, ran with hira 
towards the chaparral, cleared it at a bound, and plunging down 
a precipice with his rider, fell to the earth. The captain lay 
insensible for some hours, after which his consciousness returned, 
^vhcn, mounting his charger, which like himself was badly 
wounded, he endeavoured to make his way to the American camp. 
Before he reached it, however, he was taken by a party of the 
enemy, and carried to Matamoros. As soon as the misfortune 
occurred to Thornton, Captain Hardee assumed command, ami 
dashing towards the river bank, with the view of swimming the 
river, he found that the marshy ground prevented escape. 
Determined then on a vigorous resistance, he dismounted his 
men, and examined their pieces; but while thus engaged, a 
Mexican officer came up and demanded a surrender. Hardee 
agreed to surrender, provided he and his men would be treated 
agreeably to the usages of civilized warfare. The message was 
borne by the officer to his commanding-general, who gave assur- 
ance that the prisoners should be treated with humanity. Captain 
Hardee then surrendered, and he and his men were carried 
to Matamoros, where they were kindly treated by the Mexicans. 
General Torrejon commanded the enemy's forces in this engage- 
ment. Their success was owing to their numbers and the com- 
plete concealment afforded to their ambuscade by the chaparral. 
The American loss was one lieutenant, two sergeants, and eight 
privates killed, and fifty-three prisoners. The loss, inconsiderabl.- 
as it was in numbers, was notwithstanding important, depriving 
the American commander of nearly one-third of the mounted 
force on the Rio Grande. General Arista, on receiving the news 



CONTEMPLATED ATTACK OF ARISTA. 107 

of this skirmish, afrectcd 1o consider it a great victory, atul 
addressed the foHowing letter of congratulation to tire commander, 
General Torrejon : — 

" Matamoros, April 26. 
" This has been a day of rejoicing to all the division of the 
North, it having this day been known of the triumph achieved by 
the brigade which your Excellency so worthily commands. The 
rejoiced country will doubtless celebrate this preliminary of glori- 
ous deeds that her happy sons will in future present to her. Your 
Excellency will communicate to your brave soldiers that I have 
seen with the greatest pleasure their valiant behaviour, and that I 
await for the detailed despatch to elevate it to the knowledge of 
the supreme government, so that the nation may learn the triumph 

of your arms. 

MARIANO ARISTA. 

To Gen. Don Anastasio Torrejon."' 

On the evening of the 27th, after the news of Thornton's defeat 
reached the American encampment, General Taylor called a 
council-of-war of a few confidential officers, to take into conside- 
ration the propriety of crossing the Rio Grande and attacking 
Arista at Matamoros. The primary arrangements were all made, 
and corps selected for the purpose, when the important question 
presented itself, How could the troops pass the river .^ All kinds 
of schemes and expedients were concerted, but none appeared 
feasible, and the general reluctantly abandoned it. 

Could the troops have been transported suddenly over. Arista's 
forces would have been demolished without fighting at Palo Alto 
or Resaca de la Palma. 

Here, as after the battle of the 9th of May, the improvidence 

of the War Department was apparent in not furnishing the Army 

of Occupation with a pontoon train, as had been requested by 

General Taylor; while, at the same time, he was under instruc- 

16 



108 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

lions, if attacked, not to limit himself to defensive operations, but 
cany the war into the enemy's country beyond the Rio Grande.* 

About this time, Captain Walker, who had been identified with 
the border struggles of Texas, and one of the Mier prisoners, 
arrived at Point Isabel with a company of Texan Rangers, and 
prepared to participate in the contest, in which he subsequently 
acted so prominent a part. 

The Mexicans, after the capture of Captain Thornton, had 
boldly crossed the Rio Grande in large detachments, and spread 
themselves between General Taylor and the depot at Point Isabel 
under Major Munroe, with the view of threatening both stations 
of the American army, and cutting off General Taylor from his 
supplies. Captain Walker with his command w-as directed, 
therefore, by Major IMunroe to occupy a position west of the Point, 
for the purpose of gaining intelligence of the movements of the 
enemy, and of opening a communication with General Taylor. 
At this time some teams despatched from Point Isabel to Fort 
Brown were compelled to return ; and Captain Walker, who went 
out with his company on the 28th to reconnoitre, encountered an 
overwhelming Mexican force, and after a short contest, in which 
his raw recruits were scattered in confusion, was obliged to 
retreat, and was pursued to within cannon-range of Point Isabel. 

]\Iajor Munroe had put the Point in the best possible state of 
defence by strengthening the works, and adding to the regular 
force the masters and crews of the vessels in port. Still, as he 
was in expectation of an immediate attack, he desired to inform 
the commanding-general of his situation ; and Captain Walker, 
notwithstanding his late discomfiture, volunteered his services to 
carry any message to General Taylor. 

Late on the evening of the 29th, accompanied by six com- 
panions. Captain Walker set out on his perilous expedition, and 

• Letter to the Secretary of War, August 30, 1845. 




C A P T. tS A M VKL \v A L K K H . 



MARCH OF GENERAL TAYLOR TO POINT ISABEL. 109 

after encountering the most imminent risks of capture, he suc- 
ceeded in deliveiing- his message to General Taylor. 

The situation of the American commander had now reached a 
crisis. He must either fall back upon Point Isabel ; or, leaving 
the garrison there to defend itself, remain at Fort Brown and 
brave the enemy ; or, lastly, attempt with a portion of his forces 
to open a communication with Point Isabel. To bear back the 
flag that had been planted on the Rio Grande was out of the 
question; to remain stationary at Fort Brown, would soon reduce 
the troops to starvation. Nothing remained, then, but to leave a 
part of his force at Fort Brown, and with the residue open a com- 
munication with Point Isabel, and thus procure for the troops 
necessary supplies. In doing this he had to encounter the risk 
of an attack from the enemy upon either of the three portions into 
which his army would be divided ; but the pressing necessities 
of his situation rendered the measure imperative, and General 
Taylor accordingly made arrangements for marching. 

At four o'clock P. rJ. on the 1st May, he marched from Fort 
Brown with the main body of his army, and passed through the 
chaparral without meeting the enemy. At midnight the troops 
halted, fatigued and exhausted, and lay upon their arms in the 
open prairie, without fires to take off the chillness of the cold and 
damp night air. On the morning of the 2d the army resumed its 
march, and after suffering much from thirst and the heat of the 
weather, reached Point Isabel about noon. 

On the evening of General Taylor's departure for Point Isabel, 
Arista had ordered his troops to cross the Ptio Grande, for the 
purpose of attacking the Americans. After transporting his forces, 
he found that the American commander had departed for Point 
Isabel ; and, with the vanity peculiar to the Mexican character, he 
supposed that General Taylor had been aware of his intention, 
and was desirous of avoiding a meeting, and he construed the 
march of the American army into a timorous flight from the valiant 



110 IIISTOKY or TIIF. MEXICAN' WAR. 

It'irions of iMoxico. Conccivini? the design of cutting off tiie 
Americans on their march, the Mexican general despatched his 
cavalry for that purpose, wliich accordingly made a forced march 
hv night ; but (General Taylor with his troops had already passed 
beyond the pkice where the enemy had intended to intercept him. 
The disapjiointmcnt which this occasioned the over-confident 
enemy, was in some measure alleviated by the fact, that General 
Taylor had left a small garrison in Fort Brown, which would of 
nece.'^sitv soon be compelled to surrender to Mexican valour. 
The following document, from El Monitor Republicano of Ma- 
tanioros, a semi-official paper, is a specimen of the arrogant 
and vaincflorious feelinfrs of the Mexicans on the above occasion. 

" On the first of this month, at eleven o'clock in the morning, 
the general-in-chief left this place to join the army, who, several 
hours before, had left with the intention of crossing the river at a 
shoi^ distance from the camp of the enemy. In consequence of 
the orders given, so that this dangerous operation might be per- 
formed with due security, and according to the rules of military 
art. when our troops arrived at the spot designated for the crossing 
of the river, the left bank was already occupied by General D. 
Anastasio Torrejon, with all tlie force under his command. The 
enthusiasm of our soldiers to conquer the obstacles which separated 
them from the enemy was so great, that they showed themselves 
impatient of the delay occasioned by the bad condition of some 
of the flat-boats, which had been very much injured in the trans- 
portation by land, and could not be used, as they would fdl uj) 
with water as soon as they were launched. In spite of that 
ol)staclc, the work went on with such activity, and so great was 
the ardour of the most excellent general-in-chief, whose orders 
were obeyed with the greatest promptness and precision, that a 
few hours were suffcicnt to transport, to the opposite bank of the 
Uravo, a strong division, with all its artillery and train. 

"This rapid and well-combined movement ousht to have 



MARCH OF GENERAL TAYLOR TO POINT ISABEL. Ill 

proved to the invaders not only that the Mexicans possess instruc- 
tion and aptness for war, but that those qualities are now brought 
forth by the purest patriotism. The Northern Division, fearless 
of fatigue, and levelling all difficulties, ran to seek an enemy 
who, well sheltered under parapets, and defended with guns of a 
large calibre, could wait for the attack with indisputable advantage. 
With deep trenches, with a multitude of fortifications, the defence 
was easy against those who presented themselves with their naked 
breasts. 

" But General Taylor dared not resist the valour and enthu- 
siasm of the sons of Mexico. Well did he foresee the intrepidity 
with which our soldiers would rush against the usurpers of the 
national territory. Well did he know the many injuries which 
were to be avenged by those who had taken up arms, not to 
aggrandize themselves with the spoils of the property of others, 
but to maintain the independence of their country. Well did he 
know, we repeat it, that the Mexicans would be stopped neither 
by trenches, or fortresses, or large artillery. Thus it was that 
the chief of the American forces, frightened as soon as he 
perceived from the situation and proximity of his camp, that our 
army were preparing to cross the river, left with precipitation for 
Point Isabel, with almost all his troops, eight pieces of artillery, 
and a few wagons. Their march was observed from our position, 
and the most excellent General I). Francisco Mejia immediately 
sent an express extraordinary to communicate the news to the 
most excellent general-in-chief. Here let me pay to our brave 
men the tribute which they deserve. The express verbally 
informed some of the troops, which had not yet arrived at the ford, 
of the escape of the Americans ; in one instant, all the soldiers 
spontaneously crossed the river, almost racing one with another. 
Such was the ardour with whieh they crossed the river to attack 
the enemy. 

" The terror and haste with which the latter Hed to the fort, to 



112 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

shut themselves up in it and avoid a conflict, frustrated the active 
measures of tlie most excellent Scuor General Arista, whicli 
were to order the cavalry to advance in the plain and cut off the 
llight of the fugitives. But it was not possible to do so, notwitli- 
standing their lorced march during the night. General Taylor 
left his camp at two o'clock in the afternoon, and, as fear has 
wings, he succeeded in shutting himself up in the fort. When 
our cavalry reached the point where they were to detain him, he 
had already passed, and was several leagues ahead. Great was 
the sorrow of our brave men, not to have been able to meet the 
enemy face to face ; their defeat was certain, and the main body 
of that invading army, who thought that they inspired the 
Mexicans with so much respect, would have disappeared in the 
first important battle. But there was some fighting to be done ; 
and the Americans do not know how to use other arms but 
those of duplicity and treachery. Why did they not remain with 
firmness under their colours.'' Why did they abandon the 
ground which they pretend to usuip with such iniquity? Thus 
has an honourable general kept his word. Had not General 
Taylor said, in all his communications, that he was prepared to 
repel all hostilities? Why, then, does he fly in so cowardly a 
manner to shut himself up at the Point ? The commander-in- 
chief of the American army has covered himself with opprobrium 
and ignominy in sacrificing a part of his forces, whom he left in 
the fortifications, to save himself; for it is certain that he will not 
return to their assistance — not that he is ignorant of their peril, 
but lie calculates that this would be greater if he had the temerity 
of attempting to resist the Mexican lances and bayonets in the 
open jilain." 

Tlie garrison left in Fort Brown consisted of the 7th infantry, 
Captain Loud's company of 2d artillery, in charge of four 
18-pounders, and Lieutenant Bragg with his light battery of four 
pieces ; all under the command of Major Jacob Brown, a veteran 




f 



< 

CO 



BOMBARDMENT OF lORT BROWN. 113 

officer of great bravery. He was instructed to expend as little 
ammunition as possible, not to attempt ofTcnsivc operations, and 
to defend the post to the last. Certain signals were arranged to 
be given by means of the 18-pounders, which were to be fired at 
half past six o'clock A. M., in case of the investment of the fort, 
or any particular accident. 

On the afternoon of INIay 1st, Major Brown had his tents 
pitched, divided his forces to the several bastions, six in number, 
and apportioned the six senior officers to the command of them, 
viz : No. 1, Captain Hawkins ; No. 2, Captain Lee ; No. 3, Cap- 
tain jNIiles ; No. 4, Captain Loud ; No. 5, Brevet Major Sewall, 
and No. 6, Captain Holmes. 

On the morning of the 2d of May, all hands were turned out at 
the earliest dawn to work on the east bastion, by the gate ; it had 
not yet been touched. By dint of hard labour, the ditch was 
dug and the parapet raised to some extent; when, just before sun- 
set, officers' and men's attention was called to what was going 
on at JNIatamoros. There seemed to be a grand parade and 
festival ; the bells rung continually, soldiers marched and coun- 
termarched ; and at last was perceived a train of priests, monks, 
and friars, going round from battery to battery, consecrating and 
blessing the guns, shot, and shell. This pious ceremony con- 
tinued until the night had set in, and convinced all wdio reflected, 
that it was a prelude to an attack. 

Accordingly the guards were doubled, and orders given for' 
reveille at an earlier hour than usual. 

On the morning of the 3d, reveille beat and finished, when the 
Mexicans commenced theirs. The shrill bugles poured forth 
their discordant music amid the continued peal of their bells, for 
a longer period than usual, until Ihe streaks of dawn made every- 
thing visible to the cast, when the report of a gun was heard, and 
turning the eye quickly towards Matamoros, the first shell was 
seen as it was passing the bright and beautiful star Venus, whose 



114 IllSTORV OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

tarilincss in retiring to rest, seemed only to await this signal of 
the bloody strife, in this fnst gun of the war. 

In (luick succession followed many discharges from a battery 
of seven guns, upon the American works ; the garrison was 
soon in a condition of resistance, and Loud opened with the 
l8-pounders upon the fort and town with tremendous effect, the 
consulate flags being respected. In twenty minutes after the 
American fire opened, an 18-pound ball struck one of the 
Mexican twelve-pounders directly in the muzzle, and dis- 
mounted it, wounding and maiming the officers and men that 
manned it. This incident, and the hotness of the American fire, 
so disconcerted the enemy, that the whole battery was silenced 
immediately after. The enemy then commenced firing shot 
and shell from the lower fort and mortar battery, but without 
doing any damage, though the cannonade continued with little 
interruption until night. 

As soon as the cannonade commenced, one-third of the garrison 
were left to man the bastions, and the rest were directed to repair 
to the east bastion gate and drawbridge and finish it. To com- 
j)lete the curtain connecting the flanks of the north and east 
bastions, the troops worked under a continued shower of shot and 
shell for twenty-four hours without intermission, till it was com- 
pleted. The men became more exposed as the parapet rose, and 
the enemy taking advantage of it, directed their guns upon the 
labourers, but without effect. The only man killed was Sergeant 
Weigart. 

As the garrison found that their fire did but little execution 
except to the houses of the town, it was deemed prudent to sus- 
pend the cannonade, with the view of saving ammunition. The 
firing accordingly ceased at ten o'clock. From this circumstance, 
however, the enemy inferred our loss was severe, and that their 
fire had silenced our guns. 



BOMBARDMENT OF FORT BROWN. 115 

On the 4th of May, the firing from the enemy's batteries was 
continued during the day. 

The men in the garrison having completed the defences at and 
around the east bastion, were now busily employed in making 
bomb-proofs for security against the iron tempest that relentlessly 
assailed them. They were built at points convenient for the 
soldiers when in their stations, and were formed by layers of bar- 
rels of pork, with poles laid across, and the whole covered with 
embankments of earth. 

At nine o'clock in the evening, an irregular firing of musketry 
was heard in the rear of the fort, at a distance of three or four 
hundred yards, and extending up the river about a mile. Major 
Brown, supposing that the storming of the fort would take place 
immediately, put the entire garrison under arms, and ordered all 
the batteries and defences to be manned ; but the assault was 
not attempted. During the night the enemy erected a battery in 
the field, which was intended to assail the American works by a 
cross-fire. 

On the morning of the 5th, large parties of horse and foot were 
discovered in the rear of the fort, supported by the above-men- 
tioned battery, which, simultaneously with those in Matamoros, 
opened upon the fort with a galling fire of round-shot and shells. 
This fire was answered from the 18-pounders, and the howitzer 
battery placed in embrazure on the south-east bastion, for the 
space of an hour, when the firing on both sides ceased. About 
nine o'clock some Mexican officers, under an escort of cavalry, 
with large bodies of mounted men and infantry within supporting 
distance, commenced a reconnoissance at the distance of half a 
mile, with the view of establishing a new battery. Lieutenant 
Hanson with a party of dragoons, by permission of Major Brown, 
with great gallantry sallied out to watch their movements, when 
they precipitately retreated behind their works. 

On Wednesday, the 6th, the cannonade began with the dawn 
17 



im HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

of day, and round-shot and shells from the lower fort and mortar 
battery were tlirown into tlie fort, tearing the tents to pieces and 
killing and wounding many of the artillery horses. Large parties 
of mounted men and infantry were now seen hovering near; and 
Major Brown, finding himself surrounded by the enemy, gave to 
General Taylor the preconcerted signal, by firing at half-past six 
o'clock the 18-pounders. The enemy's fire was now redoubled, 
as if in consequence of this ; and the shot and shells from the 
several forts and batteries in front and rear, fell in an iron shower 
throughout the fort. At about ten o'clock, while the brave Major 
Brown, attended by his adjutant, was performing his usual round, 
to see that the men were at their posts, he stopped to give some 
directions respecting a bomb-proof upon which they were en- 
gaged, when a descending shell struck him ; and amid the cloud 
of dust that arose he was seen to fall mortally wounded. His 
right leg was torn off, leaving the muscles and the bare and 
jagged bones exposed to the view of his companions, who gathered 
in sympathy around him. Calm in the endurance of suffering, 
as he had before been in danger, he reminded them of their 
duties, as he was borne to the hospital : " Men, go to your duties, 
stand by your posts ; I am but one among you." 

He was carried to a bomb-proof; where, owing to the confined 
air, the violence of the wound, and the heat of the weather, he 
had but little chance of recovery. He lingered until the evening 
of the 9th ; and while the roar of the artillery, as it became more 
distinct and nearer, proclaimed the retreat of the Mexicans before 
his victorious general at Resaca de la Palma, yielded up his life 
to his country, in whose honourable service he had been so long 
employed. 

In his notice of the defence of Fort Brown, General Taylor 
pays the following handsome tribute to his memory : — 

" The field-work opposite Matamoros has sustained itself hand- 
somely, during a cannonade and bombardment of one hundred and 



arista's summons to surrender. 117 

sixty hours. But the pleasure is alloyed with profound regret at 
the loss of its heroic and indomitable commander, Major Brown, 
wiio died to-day from the effects of a shell. His loss would be a 
severe one to the service at any time, but to the army under my 
orders, it is indeed irreparable." 

On the fall of INIajor Brown, the command of the fort devolved 
on Captain Hawkins, and his bastion on Brevet Major Rains. 
Soon after this, large parties of infantry and cavalry were seen 
advancing upon the fort in the rear, but they soon dispersed on 
receiving a few rounds of canister from Lieutenant Bragg's battery. 
From ten o'clock till half-past twelve P. M., the shot and shells 
fell in one continual shower. After this, a dull and sullen fire was 
kept up till between four and five o'clock, when a white flag was 
displayed in the rear, and the Mexican bugles sounded a parley. 
Soon after, two officers approached the fort with a flag, when they 
were met, at the distance of three hundred yards, by Major Sewall 
and Lieutenant Britton, who bore the following communication 
from General Arista to Captain Hawkins, written in Spanish : — 



Mexican Army, Division of the North, 
General-in-Chief. 



! 

" You are besieged by forces sufficient to take you ; and there 
is, moreover, a numerous division encamped near you, which, 
free from all other cares, will keep off any succours which you may 
expect to receive. 

" The respect for humanity, acknowledged at the present age by 
all civilized nations, doubtless imposes upon me the duty of miti- 
gating the disasters of war. 

"This principle, which Mexicans observe above all other nations, 
obliges me to summon you, as all your efforts will be useless, to 
surrender, in order to avoid, by a capitulation, the entire destruc- 
tion of all the soldiers under your command. 

"You will thus afford me the pleasure of complying with the 
mild and benevolent wishes above expressed, which distinguish 



118 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

the character of ray countrymen, whilst I at the same time fulfil 
the most imperious of the duties which my country requires for 
the offences committed against it. 

" God and liberty ! 

Head-Quarters, at the Fanques del Raminero, May 6. 1846. 

M. ARISTA." 

Captain Hawkins, though resolved to defend the fort to tlie last, 
thought it proper to submit the message which he had received to 
his officers. He accordingly assembled the commanders of 
bastions, with Captain Mansfield, principal engineer, and Lieu- 
tenant Bragg. The vote was taken, beginning with the youngest 
officer, and was unanimous, to defend the fort to the death. 

The following reply was returned within the allotted hour : — 

" Head Qtarteks U. S. Fokces, ) 
Near Matamoros, May 6, 1846, 5 P. M. | 

"Sir: Your humane communication has just been received, 
and, after the consideration due to its importance, I must respect- 
fully decline to surrender my forces to you. 

*' The exact purj)ort of your despatch I cannot feel confident that 
I understood, as my interpreter is not skilled in your language ; 
but if I have understood you correctly, you have my replv 
above. 

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, 

E. S. HAWKINS, 
Commanding U. S. Forces opposite Matamoros. 
Gen. M. Arista, 

Commanding Division of the NorthV 

On the receipt of this reply followed the most harassing fire 
of shot and shells that had yet been experienced ; but the American 
troops could not answer it, as their ammunition was nearly 
••xpcnded, and that on hand had to be kept for close quarters, as 
the storming of the fort was momentarily expected. 



BOMBARDMENT OF FORT BRO'W'N. Il9 

At the dawn of the 7th the enemy's batteries opened as usual 
with great vigour, and parties seemed advancing on the fort, but 
several rounds of canister and grape fired into their picket-guards, 
at tlie houses in the rear, and at the old guard-house, caused 
them to fall back out of cannon-range. A random fire was kept 
up during the forenoon with musketry ; but at half-past two 
commenced a regular bombardment with shot and shells, from 
howitzers and mortars, which was continued without intermission 
till after sunset. 

The Mexicans had advanced the former night, and occupied a 
traverse left by the garrison to the north of the work near the 
river, which was only one hundred yards from it, and as high as 
our breast-work. At this place was a cover from w^hich they 
fired their escopets into the fort, and which might serve them as 
a rallying-point, whence to rush upon it in the expected storm. 
It was determined to level it, at whatever cost. 

Accordingly, on the night of the 7th, Captain Miles, with three 
subalterns. Lieutenants Potter, Van Dorn and Clitz, and one 
hundred men, under direction of Captain Mansfield the chief 
engineer, were sent, with spades only, on this dangerous enterprise. 
The traverse lay longitudinally perpendicular to the face of one of 
the enemy's strongest batteries, and not over five hundred yards 
from it : had a discovery been made, a single discharge of grape 
might have cut off the whole party. Happily, by eleven o'clock, 
tlie traverse was levelled and some clumps of chaparral adjacent 
cut away, much to the chagrin and mortification of the enemy, 
who returned about midnight to resume their firing of the previous 
night, but found their breast- work level with the ground. 

At this time a random fire of musketry commenced, accom- 
panied by the notes of bugles sounding the charge ; and the 
defenders of the fort expected every moment the deadly assault. 
Arrangements had already been made for it in Matamoros, to take 
place this very night by a picked corps of five thousand men ; but 



\>0 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Arista had ascertained that General Taylor was advancing, and the 
order was countermanded. The storming of the fort having been 
abandoned, the firing was now irregular until three o'clock 
A. M. At this time it became more severe, and was continued until 
daylight. 

At sunrise on the 8th the enemy's batteries commenced their 
lire, and for several hours poured an incessant storm of shot and 
shells into the fort. At noon the bombardment was resumed, and 
an additional mortar, established in the chaparral across the river, 
opened upon tlie garrison. Worn down with watching, exhausted 
by labour, and harassed by a continual fire, the weary soldiers 
were becoming listless, and indifferent to the shot and shells that 
fell in dangerous proximity to their persons, when, about half-past 
two o'clock P. M. on the 8th, they were roused from their lethargy 
by a cannon-shot in the direction of Point Isabel. Another and 
another followed in quick succession, and then ensued a heavy 
cannonade like a continued volley of artillery. The countenances 
of the soldiers brightened, as they sprang to their feet and listened 
with intense interest to the roar of the distant battle, which was 
then raging on the plains of Palo Alto. The sounds grew nearer 
and more distinct, from which they inferred their general was 
driving the enemy before him ; and, mounting upon the parapets, 
regardless of the missiles that fell thick around them, they raised 
a shout that rose far above the thunder of the enemy's forts, and 
carried dismay to the hearts of the inhabitants of Matamoros. 
Soon after this the enemy redoubled his fire, and from mortars 
established in the north, south and west — four in number — 
round-shot and shells in a storm of iron hail strewed the earth in 
every direction. While the sounds of the distant battle were now 
heard, bodies of infantry and cavalry were seen crossing the river, 
and hurrj-ing onward to reinforce their companions. About 
sunset, a Mexican came running to the fort with a flag, and 
announced to tlie garrison the pleasing intelligence, tliat General 



DEATH OF MAJOR BROWN. 121 

Taylor had met the forces of Arista on his march, and after a 
severe fight, had driven him back towards Matamoros. 

During the night there was no more firing, and the garrison, 
tliouoli on the alert should an assault be attempted, was enabled 
to obtain better rest than usual to their weary, exhausted frames. 

The firing was resumed on the morning of the 9th, but the 
garrison was greatly encouraged on finding that the enemy's 
battery to the east of the fort was withdrawn and removed to 
Matamoros. The belief that General Taylor had been victorious 
on the preceding day, was confirmed by seeing troops hurrying 
in the direction of Arista's head-quarters. During the fire this 
morning, an act of great daring was performed by Lieutenant 
Van Dorn and Quartermaster-Sergeant Henry. The halyards of 
the flag had become unrigged the preceding evening ; they 
ascended to adjust these, when the enemy turned upon them the 
fire of all their batteries ; yet, amid the storm of grape, canister, 
and shells, tliey dauntlessly stood to their work until they had 
accomplished it, and descended amid the acclamations of their 
companions. 

About midday the firing ceased for some time, and amid the 
silence of the pause, the gallant Major Brown breathed his last. 

It was now after two o'clock ; no message or tidings had been 
received from General Taylor, and anxiety was painfully depicted 
on the faces of many, when the booming of cannon in quick suc- 
cession, told that their companions were again in deadly conflict 
with the enemy. Nearer and clearer came the sound, till amid 
the diapason of artillery was heard the sharp rattle of musketry, 
and the garrison knew that the brave army coming to their relief, 
were driving before them the proud legions of Mexico. 

At length the sound of battle ceased, and the defenders of the 
fort were now anxious to gain intelligence of a result in which 
their own safety was so deeply concerned ; when, towards set of 
sun, the Mexican troops emerged from the chaparral in the utmost 



122 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

confusion, and rushed in full retreat to the river, pursued by 
May's dragoons and Duncan's artillery. Transported at the 
sight, the garrison manned the parapets, and, lifting up the voice 
of exultation, silenced with their cheers the batteries of the enemy, 
for not another shot was fued afterwards. As the tide of Mexican 
cavalry and infantry rolled by, discharges of grape from a 
6-pounder and one of the 18's of the fort, carried increasing 
confusion into tlieir masses ; but as it was difficult to distinguish 
friend from foe, the fire of the garrison was checked, lest the 
deadly missiles might be directed against tlie pursuers as well as 
the fugitives. 

After a siege of one hundred and sixty hours, in which several 
thousand shot and shells were received, and every ten feet of its 
area ploughed up by a bomb, thus ended the defence of Fort 
Brown. It was undoubted4y one of the most brilliant achieve- 
ments of the war. Throughout its continuance, the courage, 
patience, and perseverance of the American soldiery were 
severely tested, under the most disadvantageous and harassing 
circumstances ; and well did they abide the fiery ordeal. 

Besides its gallant defender Major Brown, Sergeant Weigart 
of the 7th infantry was the only one killed ; the w^ounded 
were thirteen in number, and were all privates. The case of 
Sergeant Weigart was a remarkable one. The second bomb 
thrown by the Mexicans exploded near his company, and carried 
away a part of his head, killing him instantly. While laid out 
on a board in the hospital tent preparatory to burial, a shell 
entered tlie tent, burst, and blew off his head. After his burial, 
a bomb entered his grave, and exploding therein, partially 
exhumed him. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Bombardment of Fort Brown heard at Point Isabel — Captain Walker sent with a 
Conimunicalion to Major Brown — May charges the Enemy's Lancers — Return 
of Captain Walker — March of General Taylor for Fort Brown — Published Order 
— Enemy discovered — Arista's Order of Battle — Taylor's Order of Battle — 
Daring Service of Lieutenant Blake — Enemy's Fire opened — Duncan's Battery — 
Ringgold's Artillery — Churchhill's 18-pounders — Charge of Cavalry — Lieutenant 
Ridgely — Fall of Ringgold — Artillery Battalion — Lieutenant-Colonel Childs — 
The Prairie fired — Duncan's Movement — Forces of the two Armies — The Loss 
on each side — Taylor's Despatch — Arista's Despatch. 

The cannonade that opened upon Fort Brown, on the 3d of 
May, was heard by General Taylor at Point Isabel. Anxious to 
relieve the garrison, he determined to return immediately to Fort 
Brown, and the troops were under order to march at one, P. M. 
Subsequently, he deemed it proper first to communicate with the 
fort ; and Captain Walker was selected for that duty. About two 
o'clock, on the evening of the 3d, the captain set out with ten 
Texan Rangers, accompanied by Captain May, with a command 
of one hundred dragoons ; and after proceeding a few miles, halted 
until dark. 

About nine o'clock they came in sight of the enemy's camp- 
fires ; and, by proceeding cautiously, succeeded in getting 
between their encampment and the fort. About seven miles 
from the latter, protected from observation by the edge of the 
chaparral, Captain May remained with his command ; while Cap- 
tain Walker, and six of the rangers, advanced to the fort. It was 
arranged between them, that Captain Walker should return as 
early as possible, so that they could pass the enemy's lines before 
daylight. 

18 (123) 



124 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Captain May awaited tlic return of Captain Walker until near 
(lawn ; when, finding that lie and his party were discovered by 
the enemy's scouts, and believing that some accident had hap- 
pened to tlie captain, he returned to Point Isabel. When within 
twelve miles of tlie Point, he found his way obstructed by about 
one hundred and fifty lancers. These he charged, and drove 
before him towards their camp for two or three miles ; when, fear- 
ing an ambuscade, he wheeled about and proceeded on to Point 
Isabel, which he reached at nine o'clock. 

It was near three o'clock in the morning of the 4th, before 
Captain Walker succeeded in reaching the fort, and delivering 
his message to the commander. After some time, he received 
Major Brown's communications for General Taylor, and being 
furnished with fresh horses, hastened to join Captain IMay. On 
arriving at the spot where he had left the captain and his party, 
he found them gone — and the enemy prepared to cut off his 
return. He then rode back to Fort Brown, where he remained 
till night, and then set out again for Point Isabel. The enemy 
were everywhere in his pathway, but he managed to evade them, 
and bore to General Taylor the cheering intelligence that the fort 
had nobly sustained itself; and was able, for the present, to repel 
any force tliat could be brought against it. After tlie receipt of 
this news. General Taylor resolved to remain a while longer at 
Point Isabel, that he might place it in a better state of defence, 
and prepare for his return to Fort Brown. 

During the week which he spent at Point Isabel, General 
Taylor had completed tlie defences of that post, and made 
arrangements for the transportation of the supplies and munitions 
of war intended for Fort Brown. Summoned thither by the 
booming of the deep-moutlied cannon tliat assailed the fort, he 
left Point Isabel on the evening of the 7th of May, and with the 
main body of his army, and a train of three hundred wagons, his 



ENEMY DISCOVERED. 125 

light artillery, and two IS-poundeis on siege-carriages, drawn 
by ten yoke of oxen, moved towards tlie Rio Grande. 

In expectation of the enemy's disputing his return, and confi- 
dent of his ability to repel their efforts. General Taylor issued the 
following order : — 

" Head- Quarters, Army of Occupation, | 
May 7, I84G. j 

Order No. 58. 

" The army will march to-day at three o'clock, in the direction 
of Matamoros. It is known the enemy has recently occupied the 
route in force. If still in possession, the general will give him 
battle. The commanding-general has every confidence in his 
officers and men. If his orders and instructions are carried out, 
he has no doubt of the result, let the enemy meet him in what 
numbers they may. He wishes to enjoin upon the battalions of 
infantry, that their main dependence must be in the bayonet. 

W. W. S. BLISS, 
Assistant Jidjutant- General." 

The weather was warm, and their march slow and toilsome, 
encumbered as it was with the train and the heavy artillery intended 
for Fort Brown ; so that, after making seven miles of their way, 
they halted and bivouacked on their arras for the night. 

Early on the following morning it was reported by the scouts 
under Captain Walker, that tlie enemy had deserted their camp, 
from which it was inferred, that the enemy did not contem])late 
giving battle. The march was resumed about sunrise, and con- 
tinued till noon. At this time, the advance of cavalry which had 
reached the water-hole of Palo Alto, brought intelligence to the 
general that the Mexicans were in front ; and it was soon dis- 
covered that they occupied the road in great force. 

On reaching the water, the army was halted, with the view of 
resting and refreshing the men, and enabling the general to 



126 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

make a proper and deliberate disposition of his forces. The 
enemy in battle-array was now plainly visible at a distance of 
three-quarters of a mile, his banners gaily floating in the breeze, 
and his tall lances flashing in the sunlight. Compact lines of 
infantry extended from a tliicket of chaparral on their right, about 
a mile over an open prairie of three miles in extent ; while a heavy 
force of cavalry on their left, stretched across the road and rested 
upon a salt-marsh of difficult passage. At intervals along their 
line, batteries were planted to sweep the advancing column of the 
Americans. 

Though he saw before him an army greatly superior in numbers, 
inured to arms in many a fight, and enjoying the advantages of 
a well-selected position, General Taylor, firm in his resolution to 
advance, and confident of the bravery of his troops, calmly dis- 
posed his forces in order of battle. 

The line of battle was formed in two wings. The right wing 
was commanded by the veteran Colonel David E. Twiggs, and 
was composed of the following troops, commencing on the 
extreme right : — 5th infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Mcintosh ; 
Ringgold's light artillery ; 3d infantry. Captain L. M. Morris ; 
two 18-pounders, under Lieutenant Churchhill, 3d artillery ; 4th 
infantry. Major G. W. Allen ; and two squadrons of dragoons, 
under Captains Ker and May. The left wing, under the 
command of Lieutenant-Colonel Belknap, consisted of a battalion 
of artillery, serving as infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Childs; 
Captain Duncan's light artillery; and the 8th infantry, under 
Captain Montgomery. For security the wagon train was parked 
near the water, under the directions of Captains Grossman and 
Myers of the Quartermaster's departhaent, and protected by the 
squadron of dragoons under Captain Ker. 

Having refreshed themselves and filled their canteens, the 
troops were put in motion and ordered to advance by heads of 
columns. After the line of battle had been formed, General 



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DARING SERVICE OF LIEUTENANT BLAKE. 127 

Taylor rode along the line and encouraged the men, who seemed 
eager for the contest. As yet he did not know whether the enemy 
had artillery or not; and anxious to learn that particular, he 
detached Captain May with his dragoons, to reconnoitre his 
lines, and, if possible, draw the fire of his artillery; but it was 
completely masked by the long prairie-grass and the men in front 
of the pieces, and the captain returned again, after an ineffectual 
effort. 

Lieutenant Blake now volunteered a daring service. He pro- 
posed to go forward alone, and make a reconnoissancc of the 
enemy's position and forces. With great gallantry he dashed 
forwards to within eighty yards of the enemy's line, while both 
armies looked on with admiration ; and dismounting, took his 
glass, and deliberately surveyed the whole of their forces. After 
this, he mounted his horse and galloped down the line to the 
other end, and, after a second examination with his glass, returned 
and reported to the general the presence and position of at least 
two batteries of artillery in the enemy's line. Scarcely had he 
finished his report to General Taylor, when the enemy's battery 
on the right, with ball and grape, opened upon the American 
forces, and the work of destruction began. 

As soon as the cannonade commenced, General Taylor halted 
his columns, and ordered them to deploy into line, which was 
performed with steadiness and precision. The light artillery on 
the wings and the 18-pounders in the centre, were advanced about 
one hundred yards, and the order passed to answer the enemy's 
fire. Duncan's battery on the left got into position a little in 
advance of the others, and first returned the challenge of the 
enemy. Ringgold 's artillery was soon engaged in the conflict ; 
and the terrible l8-pounders from the centre, under the direction 
of the general, were brought to bear upon the enemy's left. 

The battle now raged with fury from right to left, and the 
cannon on both sides dealt destruction. The fire of the enemy 



128 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

was incessant, but inaccurate ; Ringgold's artillery on the contrary 
mowed down whole platoons of cavalry on the Mexican left ; the 
discharges of the l8-pounders in the same direction were 
murderous, while the Mexican right suffered terribly from the 
artillery of Duncan, which was served with deadly effect. 
Captain May, who had been ordered to support this battery, while 
contemplating a charge, received a severe fire from the Mexican 
artillery, by which he lost four horses killed and two wounded. 

At this time the Mexican cavalry, which, unable to withstand 
the rapid discharges and precision of Ringgold's artillery, and 
the fire of the heavy pieces under Churchhill, had faltered and given 
way, advanced through the chaparral with two pieces of artillery, 
for the purpose of attacking the right flank of the Americans, 
or of making a demonstration upon the train which had been 
parked in the rear. To check this flank movement, troops were 
promptly detached. The 5th infantry was advanced to meet the 
enemy in that quarter, supported by a section of Major Ringgold's 
battery under Lieutenant Randolph Ridgely, Captain Walker's 
company of volunteers, and, shortly after, the 3d infantry. Thrown 
into cavalry square, the 5th sustained with great bravery the 
charge of the lancers under General Torrejon, and galled them 
with a severe fire, while Lieutenant Ridgely served his pieces 
with rapidity, and poured shot and shells upon their ranks with 
decisive effect. The lieutenant had his horse shot under him, at 
which time the horses at one of his caissons, affrighted, sprang 
madly forward in range of the gun. Regardless of danger, the 
lieutenant threw himself between the contending fires, and seizing 
the leader by the head, brought the horses to their places, and 
saved both tliem and the ammunition of his battery. Though 
severely wasted, a portion of the enemy's cavalry on the flank 
continued to press on, until they perceived the 3d infantry 
advancing in column by division to receive them, when they 



FALL OF RINGGOLD. 129 

turned and retired with precipitation, lessened by the iron hail 
that pursued them. 

In the mean time Churchhill's 18-pounders and the artillery 
under Ringgold, supported by the 4th infantry from the left, con- 
tinued to assail the enemy with a steady fire, and with murderous 
effect. To check this fire, the enemy poured from his batteries 
a storm of grape and canister, which killed and wounded many 
of the 4th, and among them Captain Page, who was shockingly 
disfigured by a shot which tore away his lower jaw. Soon after, 
the gallant Ringgold, while directing the fire of his pieces, was 
mortally wounded by a C-pound shot, which at the same time 
mangled and dashed to the earth the charger on which he was 
mounted. Colonel Payne, inspector-general of the army and one 
of General Taylor's aids, chanced to be near him at the time. 
By permission, he had just directed with effect one of the guns, 
and, summoned by the call of one of the men, ran with others to 
the wounded major, to aflford such aid as was in their power ; but 
with the true gallantry of a soldier, more concerned for the cause 
of his country than his own life, he wished to decline their ser- 
vices, and said: "Don't stay with me; you have work to do. 
Go ahead!" 

After Major Ringgold was carried to the rear. Lieutenant 
Shover assumed the command of his pieces, and continued to 
serve them with precision and good effect until the close of the 
action. 

While this flank movement was attempted by the enemy, tlie 
artillery battalion, under Lieutenant-Colonel Childs, had been 
brought up, for the purpose of supporting the batteries of Chui-ch- 
hill and Ringgold. As the enemy's cavalry came dashing on, a 
deadly fire from tlic 18-pounders gave them a severe check, whil«' 
the artillery battalion, thrown into cavalry-square, were prepared 
to receive them. Again pressing on, the enemy opened a fire of 
small arms upon the square, by which Lieutenant Luther, of the 



130 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

2d artillery, and others were wounded ; but a volley from the front 
of the square, delivered with good effect, stopped their advance, 
and closed the action upon the American right. Evening was 
now setting in ; and the enemy, foiled in all his attempts against 
the American line, fell back from his position, and retired through 
the chaparral out of sight. 

While these things took place, Captain May had been ordered 
to drive in the cavalry of the enemy on the Mexican left, but 
while advancing for that purpose, received a heavy fire from their 
artillery, which disabled a considerable portion of his command. 
Having gained a position with the view of charging, he was 
restrained by the consideration of the great disparity of forces, 
which were as one to ten, and returned to his former position. 

During the engagement, the prairie-grass on the left, parched 
by the continued blaze of the cannon, had been fired by the dis- 
charge of Duncan's battery; and dense wreaths of smoke rolling 
up, entirely enveloped the two armies from each other, and hung 
like the pall of death over the battle-field. In consequence of 
this, the fight was suspended ; but during its pause, while Dun- 
can was advancing to gain a position somewhat to the right of the 
one which he had occupied, the Mexicans were marching across 
the prairie witli the view of attacking the train ; which, during the 
engagement, in consequence of the advance of our line, had also 
been advanced and parked in the rear. 

The temporary clearing away of the smoke, which the sea- 
breeze lifted up like a curtain, and let fall again, disclosed to 
each army the manoeuvre of the other. Penetrating the enemy's 
intention, Colonel Belknap ordered Duncan to alter his direction, 
and wheel his horses to the left, which was promptly obeyed. 
Rushing in the direction of the enemy's advancing troops, Duncan 
halted within musket-range of the lancers; and, as the clearing 
of the air revealed his position to the astonished enemy, poured 
a volley of shot and shells upon the lancers from one section, 




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THE LOSS ON EACH SIDE. 131 

wliile lie directed the fire of another against some regiments of 
infantry, that, supported by horse, were emerging from the cha- 
})arral. Bravely did llie enemy sustain the fire for a time. They 
re-formed the broken ranks, and attempted to press on, but the 
shells and shrapnell shot soon carried confusion into their ranks ; 
their own fire slackened, while the iron storm that assailed them 
was resistless. Their infantry fell back, and retired within the 
chaparral, in the rear of the position it had occupied ; in which 
movement it was soon followed by the cavalry, while night 
coming on put an end to the contest. 

During these movements, Ker's dragoons and the 8th infantry 
stood firm as veterans, ready to support the batteries ; but were 
not called into action. The 8th was kept in column, instead of 
being deployed into line, and sustained a galling fire under cir- 
cumstances demanding the coolest endurance. 

The fire from both armies ceased with the setting sun, whose 
last rays gave a light tinge of gold to the heavy clouds of smoke 
that draped the battle-field, like the transient fame that gilds the 
gloom of war. Many an eye that brightened with his morning 
radiance was dim, and would now behold his beams no more 
for ever. 

The regular force of the Mexicans in this battle was six thou- 
sand men, with twelve pieces of artillery, besides bodies of irregu- 
lar troops. The Americans had in all but twenty-two hundred 
and eighty-eight men ; yet, with this inferior force, the American 
general defeated a veteran array, with all the advantages of a 
select position. It was the first open action between the armies 
of the belligerents ; and its complete success was a happy omen 
of the victories that were to follow. 

The Mexicans lost two hundred killed, and four hundred 
wounded ; the Americans lost nine killed, forty- four wounded, 
and two missing. Artillery was the main arm employed, and 
the rapidity and precision with which the American guns were 
served, caused the great disparity in the loss of the two armies. 
19 



132 niSTORV OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Another cause of the disparity was, that the Mexicans directed 
their fire witli the view of silencing the batteries ; while the 
Americans directed their shot against the masses of men. But 
the chief cause was the difference in the abilities of the two 
commanders, and the bravery of their subordinate officers. Their 
men, with veteran firmness, withstood the volleys of our artillerj-, 
and, had they been led by superiors of dauntless bravery, though 
they might not have been victorious, would have rendered the 
fortunes of the day far different. Finding the great superiority 
of our artillery. Arista should have charged, with recklessness of 
the partial sacrifice, and by the very force of his numbers have 
overpowered his enemy. That General Taylor expected him to 
do this, is evident from his order : " He wishes to enjoin upon 
the battalions of infantry, that their chief dependence must be in 
the bayonet." 

By the light of the burning prairie, and tlie soft rays of the 
moon, the Americans collected their wounded and buried the 
dead ; and after the excitement was over, sank to repose on the 
bare earth, in expectation of resuming the battle on the morrow. 
The place of the battle, Palo Alto (tall timber), is so called on 
account of the timber wliich skirted the further end of the prairie, 
and which, though of stunted growth, is tall in comparison with 
the chaparral of that region. When first passing over this ground, 
General Taylor had predicted, that the enemy would select it for 
their place to give battle. 

At the tiawn of day, on the 9th, the enemy were seen retiring 
along the ciiaparral towards the road, as if to dispute the further 
progress of our army. Determined to advance and attack the 
enemy, General Taylor resolved to park the train, and mount 
some of the r2-pounders, which it carried for its defence. The 
wounded were left behind, to be sent to Point Isabel. The 
gallant Major Ringgold, who, while standing up in his stirrups 
watching the effect of his fire, had received a shot that passed 




AJOR SAMUEL lUNGGOLD. 



TAYLOR S DESPATCH. 133 

through both legs, carrying away the llesh and integuments, lin- 
gered until the 11th; when, with great composure, he closed a 
life wliich had been faithfully devoted to his country. 

About sunrise General Taylor formed his troops in line of 
battle, and marched forward to meet the enemy ; but the dragoons 
and Captain Walker's men, who were in advance, reported the 
chaparral free, and the enemy rapidly retiring along the road, 
upon which the general halted his army. 

The commanding-general now rode back to the train, for 
the purpose of despatching his first bulletin, which had been 
prepared the preceding night. While here, an unfortunate 
occurrence took place. Lieutenant Blake, of the Topographical 
Engineers, whom we have mentioned as making the bold recon- 
noissance of the enemy's line, accidentally shot himself. On 
entering the tent in which General Taylor was sitting, he threw 
down his holsters, when the cap of one of his pistols exploded, 
discharging the contents into his body. 

The despatch of General Taylor w^as brief and unpretending. 
In a subsequent communication he dwelt upon the details of the 
fight. 

" Head-Quakters, Army of Occupation, ) 
Camp at Palo Alto, Te.xas, May 9, 1846. ] 

<< Sir : I have the honour to report that I was met near this 
place yesterday, on my march from Point Isabel, by the Mexican 
forces, and after an action of about five hours, dislodged them 
from their position and encamped upon the field. Our artillery, 
consisting of two l8-pounders and two light batteries, was the 
arm chiefly engaged, and to the excellent manner in which it 
was manoeuvred and served is our success mainly due. 

" The strength of the enemy is believed to have been about 
6000 men, with seven pieces of artillery, and 800 cavalry. His 
loss is probably at least one hundred killed. Our strength did 
not exceed, all told, twenty-three hundred, while our loss was 



J34 HISTORY OF THF, MEXICAN WAR. 

comparatively trilling — four men killed, three officers and thirty- 
seven men wounded, several of the latter mortally. I regret to 
say that Major Ringgold, 2d artillery, and Captain Page, 4th 
infantry, are severely wounded. Lieutenant Luther, 2d artillery, 
slightly so. 

" The enemy has fallen back, and it is believed, has repassed 
the river. I have advanced parties now thrown forward in his 
direction, and shall move the main body immediately. 

" In tlie haste of this report, I can only say that the officers and 
men behaved in the most admirable manner throughout the action. 
I shall have the pleasure of making a more detailed report when 
those of the different commanders shall be received. 

<' I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Z. TAYLOR, 
Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. Jl., commanding. 

The Adjutant-General of the Army, Wasliington, D. C."' 

In striking contrast with this plain statement is the account of 
the vanquished Arista, addressed to the Mexican Minister of War 
and Marine, and dated, " In sight of the» enemy, May 8." 
Though in sight of the enemy, the Mexican commander was at 
the time in retreat. This omission, however, is of little moment, 
when we consider the many misstatements of his despatch. 

" Constant in my purpose of preventing General Taylor from 
uniting the forces which he brought from the Fronton of Santa 
Isabel, with tliose which he left opposite Matamoros, I moved 
this day from the Fanques del Raminero, whence I despatched 
my last extraordinary courier, and took the direction of Palo 
Alto, as soon as my spies informed me that the p nemy had ]ef\ 
Fronton, with the determination of introducing into liis fort 
wagons loaded with provisions and heavy artillery. 

'< I arrived opposite Palo Alto about one o'clock, and observed 
that the enemy was entering that position. 



ARISTA S DESPATCH. 135 

•' With all my forces, I established the line of battle in a great 
plain, my right resting upon an elevation, and my left on a slough 
of difficult passage. 

" Scarcely was the first cannon fired, when there arrived Gene- 
ral D. Pedro de Ampudia, second in command, whom I had 
ordered to join me after having covered the points which might 
serve to besiege the enemy in the forts opposite Matamoros. 

" The forces under my orders amounted to three thousand men, 
and twelve pieces of artillery ; those of the invaders were three 
thousand, rather less than more, and were superior in artillery, 
since they had twenty pieces of the calibre of sixteen and eighteen 
pounds. 

" The battle commenced so ardently, that the fire of cannon 
did not cease a single moment. In the course of it, the enemy 
wished to follow the road to Matamoros, to raise the siege of his 
troops ; with which object he fired the grass, and formed in front 
of his line of battle a smoke so thick, that he succeeded in cover- 
ing himself from our view, but by means of manoeuvres this was 
twice embarrassed. 

"General Taylor maintained his attack rather defensively than 
offensively, employing his best arm, which is artillery, protected 
by half of the infantry, and all of his cavalry, keeping the 
remainder fortified in the ravine, about two thousand yards from 
the field of battle. 

" I was anxious for the charge, because the fire of cannon did 
much damage in our ranks ; and I instructed General D. Anasta- 
sio Torrejon to execute it with the greater part of the cavalry, by 
our left flank, with some columns of infantry, and the remainder 
of the cavalry. 

" I was waiting the moment when that general should execute 
the charge, and the effect of it should begin to be seen, in order 
to give the impulse on the right ; but he was checked by a fire of 
the enemy, which defended a slough that embarrassed the attack. 



136 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

" Some battalions, becoming impatient by the loss which they 
suffered, fell into disorder, demanding to advance or fall back. 
I immediately caused them to charge with a column of cavalry, 
under the command of Colonel D. Cayetano Montero ; the result 
of this operation being that the dispersed corps repaired their fault 
as far as possible, marching towards the enemy, who, in conse- 
quence of his distance, was enabled to fall back upon his reserve ; 
and night coming on, the battle was concluded, the field remain- 
ing for our arms. 

" Every suitable measure was then adopted, and the division 
took up a more concentrated curve in the same scene of action. 

" The combat was long and bloody, which may be estimated 
from the calculations made by the commandant-general of artil- 
lery. General D. Thomas Requena, who assures me that the 
enemy threw about three thousand cannon-shots from two in the 
afternoon, when the battle commenced, until seven at night, when 
it terminated, — six hundred and fifty being fired on our side. 

" The national arms shone forth, since they did not yield a 
hand's-breadth of ground, notwithstanding the superiority in 
artillery of the enemy, who suffered much damage. 

" Our troops have to lament the loss of two hundred and fifty- 
two men dispersed, wounded, and killed, — the last worthy of 
national recollection and gratitude for the intrepidity with which 
they died fighting for tlie most sacred of causes. 

"Will your Excellency please with his note to report to his 
Excellency the President, representing to him that I will take 
care to give a circumstantial account of this deed of arms ; and 
recommending to him the good conduct of all the generals, chiefs, 
officers and soldiers under my orders, for sustaining so bloody a 
combat, which docs honour to our arms, and exhibits their dis- 
cipline." 



CHAPTER IX. 

A Council-of-\Var— Taylor's March resumed— Mexicans killed and wounded— 
Advance-Guard under Captain McCall— Skirmish with the Enemy— His Position 
at Resaca de la Falma— Commencement of the Battle— Ridgcly's Artillery- 
The 5th Infantry— The 4ih Infantry— Service of the Cannon— 8th Infantry 
brought up— May ordered to take the Enemy's Battery— May's brilliant Charge 
—Death of Lieutenant Inge— Capture of General Vega— Bravery of Lieutenant- 
Colonel Belknap— Lieutenant-Colonel Mcintosh wounded— Capture of Arista's 
Camp— Lieutenant Cochrane killed— The Tampico Battalion— Capture of its 
Flag— Rout of the Enemy— General Taylor's Report— Burial of the Dead— 
Humanity of General Taylor— Exchange of Prisoners— Congratulatory Orders- 
Manifesto of the ^Mexican Commander. 

At daybreak on the 9th, the rear of the enemy was seen 
retirinf? through the chaparral towards Fort Brown, and the gene- 
ral belief was, that he was disposed to try his fortunes again, and 
would further dispute the advance of the American army. 

After their morning meal, General Taylor called a council 
composed of the heads of the commands, in which some were 
for marching forward ; others preferred intrenching where they 
were, until reinforced by the volunteers that were expected ; while 
others, again, were in favour of returning to Point Isabel. The 
commanding-general reconciled all differences by declaring, that 
he would be in Fort Brown before night, if he lived. Thereupon 
the council closed, and orders were given to form in line, and 
march forward. In passing over the battle-ground of the former 
day, the terrible effects of our artillery were visible in the heaped- 
up masses of dead bodies disfigured with ghastly wounds and 
distained with blood, — in the dead horses scattered along the 
route of the retreating cavalry, — and in the fragments of arms, 

(137) 



138 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

military accoutrements, and clothing strewed over the field in 
admirable confusion. 

On reaching the edge of the chaparral, General Taylor halted 
the troops at a pond, and ordered forward into the chaparral an 
advanced corps, to feel the enemy, and ascertain his position. 
This consisted of the light companies of the First Brigade, under 
Captain C. F. Smith, 2d artillery, and a select detachment of 
light troops ; the whole under command of Captain A. G. IMcCall, 
4th infantry, and numbering two hundred and twenty men. 
Captain Smith's party moved along upon the right of the road, 
the remainder of the command upon the left. In expectation of 
an engagement. General Taylor parked his supply-train, and 
fortified its position by intrenchments, and by a battery consist- 
ing of the two iS-pounders and two 12's. The artillery battalion, 
under Lieutenant-Colonel Childs (excepting the flank companies), 
was stationed as a guard to the train, some distance in advance 
of it. 

While scouring the chaparral in search of the enemy, the 
American advance upon the right discovered some small parties 
of infantry, and one of cavalry, and immediately fired upon 
them. Shortly after this the head of the command, on reaching 
the open ground bordering upon the Resaca de la Palma, came 
within range of a masked battery, and received three rounds of 
canister, which killed one man, and wounded three others. Upon 
this the men broke and took to the chaparral. Shortly after, 
however, they rallied, and uniting with the detachment under 
Captain Smith, prepared to move upon the flank of the enemy 
and attack him. 

While this was going on upon the right of the road, Lieutenant 
Dobbins, with a small party, encountered upon the left a large 
body of Mexicans. The lieutenant raised his rifle and killed 
the Mexican leader; almost at the same instant his soldiers fired, 
killing and wounding a number of the enemy, while the remainder 



Si ale i)i' our niiJc 






\ 



. ^ Gen , Jrisju. 



'i \ \ 'i 




BATTM'] 

01 

RESACA DC LA PALMA 
l)"'M.iviaK, 



<?^^-.^ 

''.', ^!^ 






'"■''^"''^''^^^ 






HIS POSITION AT RKSACA DK LA PALMA. 139 

fell back. Soon after, a ina.skod battery opened upon the party, 
anil Lieutenant Dobbins was struck down by a grape-shot. He 
recovered himself soon after, and ordered his men to the dense 
chaparral, which they reached in time to escape a troop of Mexi- 
can cavalry that came dashing up in pursuit. He now^ ordered 
liis men to press upon tlie rear of the cavalry, who, fearing they 
had fallen into an ambuscade, hastily retreated. After this the 
lieutenant, with his men, returned to the main body of the 
advance-guard ; when Captain McCall despatched three dragoons 
to inform General Taylor that the enemy occupied the ravine in 
force, with the evident design of obstructing his march. 

The position selected by the enemy was one of great natural 
strength. .Midway between Palo Alto and Fort Brown, and in 
the centre of the forest of chaparral which extends for about seven 
miles between these points, the road crosses a ravine which is 
semicircular in shape, with the opening between its extremities 
lying towards Point Isabel. The ravine is about sixty yards 
broad, and is nearly breast-high. At difTerent places along its 
extent arc ponds, oval or of serpentine shape, which are so 
increased during the rainy season, as to unite and form a con- 
tinuous stream that Hows of!" towards the llio Grande, and is 
hence called the Resaca de la Pnlmn, or Dry River of Pabna. 
The bed of this river, now dry, with the exception of ponds at 
intervals, was occupied by the enemy in double lines; one posted 
tuuler the front bank, the other intrenched behind the chaparral 
that lined the further bank. Batteries were planted upon the 
right and left of the road in the centre of each line, and one upon 
the enemy's right, so that the fire of the whole might converge in 
a terrible focus upon the American column, as it advanced between 
the horns of the crescent which the ravine formed across the road. 
With these advantages of position, Arista, with seven thousanil 
men, many of them veteran troops, awaited the approach of the 
American array. 
20 



140 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR, 

About tliree o'clock in the afternoon, General Taylor received 
the message from Captain McCall, and instantly put his army in 
motion, which came up with the advance-guard about four 
o'clock. Lieutenant Ridgely, with his battery, was immediately 
thrown forward on the road. Captain Smith, with his party, was 
now directed to take the right of the road, while Captain McCall 
took the left, with orders to feel the enemy and bring on the 
action, after which they were to assume a position upon the 
enemy's flanks, and harass him. Having advanced about three 
liundred yards to front and flank, the advance encountered the 
right of the enemy's infantry, and with great gallantry brought 
on the action, pouring an incessant and destructive Are upon the 
enemy. 

Ridgely's battery, in the mean time, had advanced upon tlie 
road ; while the 5th infantry and one wing of the 4th, thrown into 
the chaparral on the left, and the 3d infantry and the other wing 
of the 4th upon the right, moved simultaneously upon the enemy. 
These coqis were deployed as skirmishers, and intended to cover 
the battery and engage tlie Mexican infantry. 

Moving cautiously along, Ridgely discovered the enemy in 
tlie road, about four hundred yards in advance, and almost 
instantaneously their artillery opened upon him. Ridgely ordered 
forward his battery at full speed, about a hundred yards, and 
returned the fire with precision and effect. The cannonade was 
kept up for some time on both sides with great spirit, after which, 
as tlie fire of the enemy slackened, Ridgely limbered up and 
advanced upon him, until at length he was within a hundred or 
a hundred and fifty yards of the enemy's batteries, and at tliis 
fearful proximity, galled him with rapid and terrible discharges 
of grape and canister. 

Simultaneous with the opening roar of tlie artillery was heard 
the sharp rattle of musketry. On the left the 5th infantr)-, led by 
the gallant Lieutenant-Colonel Mcintosh, rushed on towards the 




i'p"'^ 






I 



-■^^^^ 






SERVICE OF THE CANNON. 141 

enemy at full speed, made its way through the almost impene- 
trable chaparral, engaged tlie enemy, and for some time sus- 
tained the fire of the Mexiean army, \vi(hout any infantry to 
support it, except the advance party, under Captain McCall. 

The 4th infantry, while pressing on towards the enemy through 
the chaparral, became divided. A part united with the 5th, 
while the remaining portion, under Captain Buchanan, with 
Lieutenants Hays and Woods, crossed the pond in the ravine, 
which was waist-deep, and on surmounting the crest of the hill, 
charged and took one of the enemy's pieces, though defended by 
a hundred and fifty infantry ; and immediately after drove the 
enemy from a breastwork behind wliich he was intrenched. 
Before the cannoneers (led, they had set fne to the priming-tube, 
and the match was about to ignite the powder ; Lieutenant 
Woods sprang forward in time to prevent it, and with his sword 
knocked ofi" the priming. Soon after a body of cavalry came 
dashing up, and made an effort to recapture the artillery ; but a 
part of the 3d infantry, under Captain Barbour, had arrived to 
the support of the 4th. They formed in the face of the enemy, 
and advanced with the utmost determination, W'hen rapid dis- 
I'harges from the united force drove back the enemy in confusion. 

The action now became general, and the battle raged witli 
fury. In various parts of tlie field was heard the roll of musketry, 
where the infantry, divided into small parties by the intervening 
( liaparral, was contending with the enemy. At times the conflict 
became nearer, and bayonets were crossed in tlie deadly 
encounter. The artillerists, under Ridgely, meanwhile, were 
bared like reapers to their toil, and the corses of the enemy, like 
ripened grain, strewed the field of death beneath tlieir incessant 
and terrible service at the j)ieccs. Their intrei)id commander, 
cool and determined, not only gave direction to the discharges 
of tlie guns, but with his ready glass sought afterwards the evi- 
dences of the elFect with which each charge was sped. The roar 



142 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

of the enemy's cannon, in tlie mean time, was almost continuous ; 
and had it not been that tlie fire was directed too high, it would 
liave swept Ridgely's batteries, and annihilated his command. 

While the battle thus raged, Lieutenant-Colonel Belknap, who 
commanded the First Brigade, ordered up the 8th infantry, 
and Duncan's artillery, which had been posted as a reserve. On 
arriving at the scene of action, the 8th charged the enemy on the 
right of the road, and aflcr a vigorous resistance drove him from 
his position ; but Duncan's battery, on arriving at the edge of the 
ravine, could not open fire on the enemy without galling his 
friends at the same time. He was obliged, therefore, to let it 
remain inactive until near the close of the action. 

The batde had now continued for some time without any 
decided advantage on our part, and General Taylor perceived 
that the enemy could not be driven from his position until his 
artillery was silenced. He therefore ordered Captain May, who 
was stationed in the rear, to re{)ort himself for duty. He soon 
appeared, with his command, and was directed to charge and 
take the enemy's batteries, at whatever sacrifice. After exhorting 
his men to remember their regiment, the captain pointed towards 
the batteries and bade them follow. Striking .spurs into his horse, 
he dashed forward, followed by his command in columns of fours. 

On arriving at the place occupied by Ridgely and his brave 
cannoneers, May halted to learn the position of the enemy's bat- 
teries. Knowing the danger attending a charge upon their pieces 
when loaded, Ridgely desired him to wait until he drew the fire 
of their batteries. He suddenly applied the match, and, ere the 
reverberation of his pieces had died away, the enemy replied, and 
their shot swept like hail through his batteries. 

Instantly the squadron of dragoons sprang forw'ard, May in the 
advance, with his long hair streaming behind like the rays of a 
comet. The earth .shook beneath the iron hoofs of their steeds, 
and the rays of the tropic sun flashed back in flame from their 




I.IEUT COJ. CHARLES A MAx'. 



CAPTl'lU-: OF GENERAL VEGA. 143 

burnished sabres, as they swept along, cheered by a shout of 
exultation from the artillerists and infantry. 

Still foremost. May reached at length the batteries in the road, 
and upon the rigiit of it ; and, as his steed rose upon the enemy's 
breastworks, he turned to wave on his men to the charge. 
Closely pressing upon him, was Lieutenant Inge, who answered 
to the challenge with a shout, and turned in like manner to 
encourage his platoon, when a terrible discharge of grape and 
canister from llie upper battery swept down upon them, and 
dashed to the earth, in mangled and bloody masses, eighteen 
horses and seven men ; among them the gallant Inge and his 
charger. May's steed at a bound cleared the batteries, followed 
by Lieutenant Stevens, and the survivors of the 1st and 2d pla- 
toons. Their impetus carried them through and beyond the bat- 
teries, when charging back, they drove the enemy from tiie guns 
and silenced their fne. Captain Graham, and Lieutentants Win- 
ship and Pleasanton, with the .3d and 4th platoons, in t!i(! mean 
time swept to the left of the road, and at the point of the sword 
carried the battery situated there. 

Perceiving the small force by which they were assailed, the 
Mexicans recovered from their panic, and rushing l)ack to the 
batteries, prepared to fire them. Gathering around him a few 
followers. May charged upon them with irresistible force, while 
the terror-stricken enemy shrunk back from the blows of Jiis 
sword, which descended with a flash and force like that of light- 
ning. An intrepid officer, however, kei)t his place, and endea- 
voured to rally his men. With his own hands he seized a match 
and was about to apjily it, when he was ordered by Captain May 
to surrender. Finding himself without support, he acknowledged 
himself a prisoner, and handed his sword to his gallant captor. 
It was General V^ega, a brave and accomplished officer. He was 
placed in charge of Lieutenant Stevens, and conducted in safety 



144 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

to the rear, to Colonel Twiggs, though exposed to a shower of 
musketry. 

The fire of the enemy's batteries was silenced, but a terrible 
struggle commenced for their possession. The 5th infantr}^, 
under the brave Lieutenant-Colonel Mcintosh, though separated 
into masses by the chaparral, rushed on through a sweeping fire 
of musketry, and at length crossed bayonets with the enemy over 
the cannon-muzzles. 

The 8th infantry, having learned that May had carried the 
main battery, but could not maintain it for want of support, was 
formed in the road, and led on in person by Colonel Belknap. 
While moving forward they were joined by a part of the 5th regi- 
ment, under Captain Martin Scott. Under the heavy fire of the 
enemy they faltered for a moment, when the gallant Belknap 
sprang forward, and smiting down a Mexican ensign, seized his 
standard, and with it waved on the troops to the charge. A shot 
soon carried away the flag, but with the staff he continued to 
cheer his men, until thrown from his horse over a pile of dead 
and wounded artillerists. Supposing him slain, the regiment 
fought with desperation to avenge his death, and, together with 
the 5th, engaged in a terrible conflict, hand to hand, with the 
Tampico battalion, composed of veterans victorious in twenty 
fields. Some time after, the regiment was gratefully surprised 
at seeing Colonel Belknap appear again at the head of his 
column. 

The Sth, under the immediate command of Captain Montgo- 
mery, and the 5th, under Lieutenant-Colonel Mcintosh, had 
charged up the ravine, under a sheeted fire from right and front 
of the enemy, and after a vigorous resistance forced liim Ijark 
through the dense chaparral. Lodged in different clumps of 
these impenetrable thickets, the enemy continued the fight, and 
poured a destructive fire upon the Americans, which caused the 
action to be varied by numberless skirmishes, in one of which 



CAPTURF, OF arista's CAMP. 145 

Lieutenant Chadbournc, who had distinguished himself by his 
bravery, was mortally ^vounded at the head of his command. 

While Colonel Mcintosh was forcing his way through a dense 
thicket of chaparral, lined with infantry and cavalry, his horse 
was struck with a shot and fell dead, and the colonel was pre- 
cipitated through the chaparral into the midst of the enemy. 
Mounting to his feet, he encountered them sword in hand, and 
warded off, for the instant, both bayonets and lance-points ; but 
he was soon overpowered by numbers, and disabled by wounds. 
A bayonet entered his mouth and came out at his ear; a second, 
aimed at his heart, pierced through his arm and terribly shattered 
the bone ; while by a third, which passed through his hip, he 
was borne down, and pinned to the earth. Upon his fall the 
command of his regiment devolved upon Major Staniford, who 
with great energy and spirit followed up the advantages already 
obtained, and drove the enemy before him. 

The 4th regiment, after carrying the battery on the right, as 
before described, continued to press on, increased by squads of 
men from the different regiments, and at length emerged from the 
chaparral into the camp of General Arista, of which they imme- 
diately took possession. Here was found his splendid marquee, 
his private carriage, his trunks, private property, and his corres- 
pondence, among which was recognised in his own handwriting 
the original of the disgraceful proclamation which he had caused 
to be distributed among the American troops to encourage deser- 
tion. In addition to the above, they took five hundred mules, 
with their pack-saddles, stands of small-arms, ammunition, am- 
munition-boxes, and military equipage of every variety. 

Soon afl(;r the capture of the Mexican camp, an officer rode 
up, as if for the purpose of reconnoitring, and received from 
the captors a volley of mu.sketry, but escaped unhurt. lie 
returned again soon after, and was again fired on and escaped. 
After receiving a third fire, he came dashing back, followed by a 



146 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

company of lancers, wlio prepared to charge Avith headlong 
impetuosity. The regiment, however, steadily delivered its fire, 
emptying a few of the Mexican saddles, and then fell back within 
the chaparral. Lieutenant Cochrane, who kept his ground fear- 
lessly, defended himself with his sword, but was borne down by 
the charge, and fell dead, having received seven lance-points in 
his breast. This was the last success of the enemy. 

The intrenchraents, artillery, and camp of the Mexicans, were 
now in possession of the Americans ; yet the enemy for a time 
bore up against his losses wuth fortitude, and disputed the advance 
of his victorious foe by an obstinate resistance. But American 
valour and discipline at length were triumphant. The Tampico 
battalion, that, with the pride of veterans victorious in many a 
bloody fight, had struggled to roll back the tide of battle, was 
almost annihilated. Its proud tricolour, that had been rent in the 
iron storm of our artillery on the plains of Palo Alto, was the last 
Mexican flag that waved upon the field ; and its stand-bearer, 
indignantly spurning its surrender, tore it from the flagstafT, and, 
concealing it about his person, attempted to escape in the gene- 
ral rout that had now taken place ; but he was ridden down by 
our dragoons, and captured with his precious burden. The flag 
of the " Batallon Guarda Costa de Tampico" now hangs among 
the trophies of the American Capitol. 

Just before the enemy's last struggle, the two batteries, which 
could not operate on account of the close contest that had been 
raging, were ordered across the ravine. When the rout became 
general, Duncan's battery, and fresh infantry, brought up for the 
pursuit, thundered in the rear of the panic-stricken enemy as they 
tied, increasing their confusion, and thinning their ranks with the 
iron hail poured upon their columns in full retreat. 

The overthrow and rout of the enemy were complete. In the 
panic of uncontrollable fear, horsemen rode down the infantry 
before them, and all, in haste to escape from the Americans in 



ROl'T OF THE ENEMY. 117 

pursuit, rushed tumultuously down to tlic river-side, and found, 
amid its boiling waves, tlie death they were striving to avoid 
from behind. At the crossings of the Rio Grande, infantry and 
eavalry sprang into the flats, till they sank beneath the weight of 
the multitude upon them. To stop this headlong rush to destruc- 
tion. Father Leary, a venerable j)riest, in his sacred robes, with 
crucifix in hand, stood before them and exhorted them to patience. 
He succeeded for a moment in his efforts, but a troop of horse 
came spurring down the bank, and in an instant priest and 
soldiers were struggling with the waters, and perished in the 
stream. Many of these bodies were thrown ashore afterwards, 
and hung suspended among the branches of the trees by the 
river-side, as the Rio Grande fell. That of the priest mentioned 
above was found near the fort, his canonicals still upon him, and 
the emblem of salvation grasped tightly in his hand. 

During the night, Matamoros was a scene of confusion and 
consternation. The inhabitants iiad been assured of certain 
victory, and preparations had been made for a festival, in honour 
of the occasion. Ball-rooms were decorated and hung with gar- 
lands, and music and beauty waited to welcome back the con- 
querors. But when the sad reverse was learned, — when the 
terror-stricken troops entered the city, and the groans and shrieks 
of the wounded were heard, as they were borne in sacks through 
the streets, the women rushed to the rooms, tore dow'n and 
stamped upon the festal wreaths and decorations, and testified 
their sorrow by cries of passionate despair. The soldiery, lawless 
and reckless, roamed about the streets committing disorders of 
every kind, while the inhabitants shut themselves up in their 
homes in fearful apprehension, or, gathering up their goods, fled 
to the country, or were engaged in lamenting friends that w'ere 
dead, or tending upon those that were wounded. 

Ker's squadron of dragoons, the artillery battalion, under 
Colonel Childs, and the 3d infantry, pursued the fleeing enemy 
21 



148 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

to the Rio Grande, and bivouacked on its banks. May's squadron 
having followed also to the river, returned again to the battle- 
ground, and rested with the main army. 

In the evening after the battle, the following brief despatch 
was prepared by the commanding-general. It was followed bv 
a more detailed report on the 17th. 

" Head-Quarters, Army of Occupation, ) 

Camp at Resaca de la Pfilma, 3 miles from Matamoros, [ 

10 o'clock P. M., May 9, 1846. ) 

<■<■ Sir : I have the honour to report that I marched with the 
main body of the army at two o'clock to-day, having previously 
thrown forward a body of light infantry into the forest which 
covers the Matamoros road. When near the spot where I am 
now encamped, my advance discovered that a ravine crossing 
the road had been occupied by the enemy with artillery. I 
immediately ordered a battery of field-artillery to sweep the posi- 
t,ion, flanking and sustaining it by the 3d, 4th, and 5th regi- 
ments, deployed as skirmishers to the right and left. A heavy 
fire of artillery and of musketry was kept up for some time, until 
finally the enemy's batteries were carried in succession by a 
squadron of dragoons and the regiments of infantry that were on 
the ground. He was soon driven from his position, and pursued 
by a squadron of dragoons, battalion of artillery, 3d infantry, and 
a light battery, to the river. Our victory has been complete. 
Eight pieces of artillery, with a great quantity of ammunition, 
three standards, and some one hundred prisoners have been 
taken ; among the latter. General La Vega, and several other 
officers. One general is understood to have been killed. The 
enemy has recrossed the river, and I am sure will not again 
molest us on this bank. 

<' The loss of the enemy in killed has been most severe. Our 
own has been very heavy, and I deeply regret to report that 
Lieutenant Inge, 2d dragoons, Lieutenant Cochrane, 4th infantry, 



BURIAL OF THE DEAD. I49 

and Lieutenant Chadbourne, Sth infantry, were killed on the 
field, Lieutenant-Colonel Payne, 4th artillery; Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel Mcintosh, Lieutenant Dobbins, 3d infantry ; Captain Hooe, 
and Lieutenant Fowler, 5th infantry ; and Captain Montgomery, 
Lieutenants Gates, Selden, McClay, Burbank, and Jordan, 8tli 
infantry, were wounded. The extent of our loss in killed and 
wounded is not yet ascertained, and is reserved for a more detailed 
report. 

" The affair of to-day may be regarded as a proper supplement 
to the cannonade of yesterday ; and the two taken together, 
exhibit the coolness and gallantry of our officers and men in the 
most favourable light. All have done their duty, and done it 
nobly. It will be my pride, in a more circumstantial report of 
both actions, to dwell upon particular instances of individual dis- 
tinction. 

" It affords me peculiar pleasure to report that the field-work 
opposite Matamoros has sustained itself handsomely during a 
cannonade and bombardment of a hundred and sixty hours. Bui 
the pleasure is alloyed with profound regret at the loss of its 
heroic and indomitable commander. Major Brown, who died 
to-day from the effect of a shell. His loss would be a severe one 
to the service at any time, but to the army under my orders, it is 
indeed irreparable. One officer and one non-commissioned 
officer killed, and ten men wounded, comprise all the casualties 
incident to this severe bombardment. 

'< I inadvertently omitted to mention the capture of a large 
number of pack-mules left in the Mexican camp. 

<< I am, sir, ver\- respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Z. TAYLOR, 
Brevet Brifr. Gen. U. S. A.^ commanding. 
The Adjutant-General of the Army. Washington, D. C." 

The day after the battle of Resaca ile la Palma, was devoted to 
the burial of the slain ; in wliirh sad duty the heart of many a 



150 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

brave soldier sank within him, that the clay before had rushed 
upon the bayonet or lance-point, or braved death at the cannon's 
mouth. Their honoured remains were laid at length in their 
resting-places, beneath the turf on which they fought and fell, 
and the rolling volleys of musketry fired, that were the last sad 
tribute to the dead from those who had shared with them the trials 
and the triumphs of a soldier's life. 

Nor did friends only share in this sacred duty, at the hands 
of the conqueror. With a generosity and manliness of soul 
equal to the stern bravery of his spirit in battle, General Taylor 
paid the same scrupulous regard to the dead and wounded Mexi- 
cans. Not being able to attend properly to all, he sent over to 
Matamoros for Mexican surgeons, to assist in taking care of their 
wounded left on the field, and for men to assist in burying the 
dead. 

On the morning of the 11th, agreeably to the request of Gene- 
ral Arista, an exchange of prisoners took place, and Captains 
Thornton and Hardee, and Lieutenant Kane, with the gallant 
little band captured by General Torrejon, were marched on foot 
to the battle-field, and there exchanged for an equal number of 
officers and men captured in the action of the 9th. As there was 
an excess of Mexican prisoners, they were delivered to their 
countrymen, a receipt being taken for their number, to be held 
against future chances of capture. General Vega was offered 
his parole, but declined the acceptance, as he knew his govern- 
ment would force him to bear arms, notwithstanding his pledge 
to the contrary. 

After this General Taylor set out for Point Isabel, to confer 
with Commodore Conner respecting the reduction of Matamoros, 
Barita, and Camargo ; while the army, under Colonel Twiggs, 
left the battle-ground, and took up its former position on the left 
of the Rio Bravo. Before General Taylor departed he published 



CONGRATULATORY ORDERS. 151 

the following onlcr, in acknowledgment of the gallantry and 
good conduct of the troops : — 

HEAD-QfAKTERS, ArMY OF OCCUPATION, I 

Rcsaca dc la Palnia, May 11, 1846. j 
" The commanding-general congratulates the army under his 
command upon the signal success which has crowned its recent 
operations against the enemy. The coolness and steadiness of 
the troops during the action of the 8th, and the brilliant impe- 
tuosity witli which the enemy's position and artillery were carried 
on the 9th, have displayed the best qualities of the American 
soldier. To every officer and soldier of his command, the gene- 
ral returns his thanks for the noble manner in which they have 
sustained the honour of the service and of the country. While 
the main body of the army has been thus actively employed, the 
garrison left opposite Matamoros has rendered no less distinguished 
service, by sustaining a severe cannonade and bombardment for 
many successive days. The army and the country, while justly 
rejoicing in this triumph of our arms, will deplore the loss of 
many brave officers and men who fell gallantly in the hour of 
combat. 

" It being necessary for the commanding-general to visit Point 
Isabel on public business, Colonel Twiggs will assume command 
of the corps of the army near Matamoros, including the garrison 
of the field-work. He will occupy the former lines of the army, 
making such dispositions for defence and for the comfort of his 
rommand as he may deem advisable. He will hold himself 
strictly on the defensive until the return of the commanding- 
general. 

" By order of Brigadier-General Taylor. 

W. W. .1. BLISS, Jet. Mj. -General:' 

General Parrode, of the department of Tamaulipas, after the 
actions of the Sth and 9th of May, ])ublished a manifesto to the 



152 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

army under his command, which is in striking contrast with the 
congratulatory orders of the American general to his victorious 
troops. It breathes a spirit of patriotism and bravery, which is 
honourable to a manly mind. If such sentiments had inspired 
the Mexicans generally, they would have been invincible to 
any foe. 

TJie Commander-in-chief of the Department of Tamaulipas to the 
troops under his command. 

"Fellow-Citizens: The afternoon of the 8th of this month 
our brothers of Matamoros have fought with intrepidity and 
enthusiasm in the Fanques del Raminero. On the 9th they 
charged with the same ardour. But fate has not crowned our 
efforts. The enemy passed from the fort, favoured by the dense 
smoke of a wood on fire, which protected them from our shot. 
Thus have our enemies escaped ! 

"Soldiers! another time we shall conquer. Such is the fate 
of war, a defeat to-day and glory to-morrow ; that glory which 
shall be ours at the end of this holy struggle. The God of battles 
is trying our valour, but he has not abandoned us. We know 
how to conquer, and we know how to suffer. 

"Soldiers! the lamentation of the soldier for the companion 
who dies on the field of battle ought to be a shot well-aimed at 
the enemy. Those are the tears which our brothers require of 
our love. Their tomb must be raised in the American camp. 
The corpses of the Yankees ought to form their mausoleums. 

"Soldiers! if we have lost some of our brothers, the glory will 
be greater, there will be fewer conquerors ; it is not the number 
which gives victory. There were but three hundred Spartans, 
and the powerful Xerxes did not cross the Thermopylae. The 
celebrated army of the great Napoleon perished in Spain at the 
hands of a defenceless people, but they were free and intrepid, 
and were fighting for their liberty. 



MANIFESTO OF THE MEXICAN COMMANDER. 153 

<< Fellow-soklicrs ! shall \ve ilo less than they did? We are 
fighting for our liberty, our religion, our country, our cradles, our 
graves. Let him \vho does not wish to die a traitor, him who 
wishes to deserve the tears of his children, let him take breath 
and sustain his courage. He must not faint, he must not fear, 
but what have we to fear ? The heart tells us that in it we shall 
find all that is requisite ; and our hearts we will oppose to the 
enemy. 

" Soldiers ! vengeance for our brothers ! glory for our children ! 
honour for our country ! 

" We defend those cherished feelings. Do not fear. I swear 
to you that if the day be a laborious one, our glory will be 
sweeter ; but glory we will have, and your general and com- 
panion will attain it with your loyalty and valour. 

ANASTASIO PARRODE. 

Tampico. May 13th. 1846." 



CHAPTER X. 

Assistance afforded by Commodore Conner — Reduction of Barita — Taylor's arrival 
at Fort Brown — Preparations for attaciving Malamoros — Cause of Taylor's inac- 
tivity after the Battles of the 8th and 9th of May — Letter to the War Department 
— Occupation of Matamoros — Arista's Flight — He is ordered to lay down his 
command — The War announced to Congress — President's Proclamation — Ineffi- 
cient preparations for War — Rejoicings in the United States for the victories at 
Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma — Taylor breveted a Major-Gencral — Act of 
Congress promoting him to full rank — Appointment of General Officers — 
Occupation of Reynosa — Capture of Camargo — Of Mier — Organization of the 
Army — Departure for Seralvo — Letter to the Adjutant-General — March on 
Monterey. 

While at Point Isabel, General Taylor published an order, in 
which he suitably recognised the merit of Major Munroe, who 
commanded at Point Isabel, and all the officers and men under his 
command, for the energy and activity which they had displayed 
in fortifying the place. In this praise Commodore Conner also 
participated. While cruising off the harbour of Vera Cruz, he 
had heard of the preparations of the Mexicans, at Matamoros, to 
attack the American army, and with great promptitude had sailed 
for Point Isabel, to render any assistance in his power. The five 
hundred marines, whom he caused to land and aid the garrison, 
contributed much towards putting it in a proper state of defence. 

Having made his arrangements with Commodore Conner for 
a combined movement up the river. General Taylor .set out 
for Point Isabel on the morning of the 13th ; but on his way 
thither he was met by a courier, with intelligence that the enemy 
was receiving reinforcements, and was fortifying Barita and other 
points near the mouth of the river. In consequence of this, the 

(154) 



MOVKMENT UPON MATAMOROS. 1").") 

general returned to the Point, and found that a small body of 
regulars, anil some volunteer troops from Alabama and Louisiana, 
had just arrived. The volunteers were in prompt answer to his 
late call for additional troops. 

General Taylor promptly organized a command, under Colonel 
Wilson, for the reduction of Barita, consisting of three hundred 
regulars, and three hundred and fifty volunteers. Of the latter, 
two companies were from Louisiana, under Captains Stockton and 
Tobin, and one company from Alabama, under General Desha. 
At one o'clock in the afternoon of the 15th, the command took 
up its line of march from the Brazos, while three steamers 
ascended the river, to transport the troops at the proper place. 
Commodore Conner ordered, at the same time, a part of the fleet 
to appear off the mouth of the river, to co-operate with them. 
Colonel Wilson proceeded up the river towards Barita, in mo- 
mentary expectation of an attack from the cavalry, who were 
reported to be in the vicinity, and took possession of the town 
without any resistance. The inhabitants fled on his approach, 
witlrout firing a gun. He immediately issued a manifesto, in 
which he invited them to return to their dwellings, and assured 
them of the peaceable enjoyment of all their civil and religious 
rights. 

On the 14th of May, General Taylor left Point Isabel, with six 
hundred men, a train of artillery, and two hundred and fifty 
wasfons, loaded with stores, and reached Fort Brown on the even- 
ino" of the same day. He determined to attack Matamoros the 
next day, if possible. It required, however, considerable time 
and effort to make preparations for transporting the troops across 
the river, and to mount the two 16-inch mortars destined to 
throw shell into the city, should it not be surrendered. On the 
morning of the 17th, everything was ready ; and it was arranged 
that, while General Taylor moved upon Matamoros, Colonel 
Wilson, at the same time, should advance from Barita. The 
22 



156 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

delay of General Taylor in following up the advantages of the 
battles of the 8th and 9th of May, was owing to the neglect of 
the War Department, to furnish him a ponton train, and heavy 
mortars, as requested in his letters of the former year. The fol- 
lowing letter presents a detailed account of the occupation of 
Matamoros by the American troops : — 

"Head-Quarters, Army of Occupation, 1 
City of Matamoros, May 18, 1846. | 

*' Sir : I have the honour to report that my very limited means 
of crossing rivers prevented a complete prosecution of the victory 
of the 9th instant. A ponton train, the necessity of which I 
exhibited to the department last year, would have enabled the 
army to have crossed on the evening of the battle, take this city, 
with all the artillery and stores of the enemy, and a great number 
of prisoners. In short, to destroy entirely the Mexican army. 
But I was compelled to await the arrival of heavy mortars, with 
which to menace the town from the left bank, and also the accu- 
mulation of small boats. In the mean time, the enemy had 
somewhat recovered from the confusion of his flight, and ought 
still, with three thousand men left him, to have made a respect- 
able defence. I made every preparation to cross the river above 
the town, while Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson made a diversion on 
the side of Barita, and the order of march was given out for one 
o'clock yesterday, from the camp near Fort Brown, when I was 
waited upon by General Reguena, empowered by General Arista, 
commanding-in-chief the Mexican forces, to treat for an armistice 
until the government should finally settle the question. I replied 
to this, that an armistice was out of the question ; tliat a month 
since I had proposed one to General Ampudia, which was 
declined ; that circumstances were now changed ; that I was 
receiving large reinforcements, and could not now suspend ope- 
rations which I had not invited or provoked ; thai the possession 
of Matamoros was a sine qua non ; that our troops would occupy 



Taylor's dkspatch, 157 

the town ; but that General Arista might withdraw his forces, 
leaving the public property of every description. 

"An answer to the above was promised in the afternoon, but 
none came ; and I repaired at sundown to join tlie army, already 
in position at a crossing some two miles above the town. Very 
t-arly this morning the bank was occupied by two l8-pounders, 
and three batteries of field-artillery, and the crossing commenced : 
the light companies of all the battalions were first thrown over, 
followed by the volunteer and regular cavalry. No resistance 
was made, and I was soon informed from various quarters that 
Arista had abandoned the town, with all his troops, the evening 
before, leaving only the sick and wounded. I immediately 
despatched a stall- officer to the prefect to demand a surrender ; 
and, in the mean time, a commission was sent by the prefect to 
confer with me on the same point. I gave assurance that the 
civil rights of the citizens would be respected, and our troops at 
once dropped down opposite the town, and crossed at the ' Upper 
Ferry,' the American flag being displayed at Fort Paredes, a 
Mexican redoubt near the crossing. The different corps now- 
encamped in the outskirts of the city. To-morrow I shall make 
suitable arrangements for the occupation of the town, and for 
taking possession of the public property. More than three hun- 
dred of the enemy's wounded have been left in the hospitals. 
Arista is in full retreat towards Monterey, with the fragments of 
his army. 

" I deeply regret to report that Lieutenant George Stevens, a 
verj' promising young officer, of the 2d dragoons, was accidentally 
drowned tliis morning while attempting to swim the river with his 
squadron. 

"I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Z. TAYLOR, 
Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. A., commanding. 

The Adjutant-General of the Army, Washington, D. C." 



15S HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

The proposition of Arista for an armistice, was a dishonourable 
artifice to gain time, that he might be enabled to withdraw or 
destroy the public and military stores of the city. At the very 
moment he solicited it, his troops were busily engaged in burying 
artiller}^ or throwing it into wells, and in destroying or concealing 
arms and ammunition. 

After taking possession of the city. General Taylor, with great 
humanity and courtesy, adopted efficient means for the protection 
of the persons and property of the citizens. 

A single guard was allowed in the city, the rest of the troops 
were distributed in the suburbs and vicinity. Colonel Twiggs 
was appointed governor of the city. 

Arista left Matamoros on the evening of the 17th, with the 
remnant of his army, and fled in the direction of Camargo. He 
continued his retreat into the interior, and towards the close of 
the month arrived at the hacienda of Coma, with the shattered 
columns of his troops, many having died from the privations and 
fatigue of forced marches, and others having deserted and formed 
predatory bands, that plundered their defenceless countrymen. 
From Coma he continued his march to Monterey. While here, 
he was ordered to lay down his command and repair to Mexico, 
to answer for the reverses of the army under his orders ; but, 
dreading the character of Parcdes, he refused to appear at the 
seat of government. 

On the 11th of May, 1846, the President of the United States 
announced to Congress the commencement of hostilities between 
the Mexican and American armies, and used the following lan- 
guage : — " A war exists ; and, notwithstanding all our efTorts to 
avoid it, exists by the act of Mexico herself. We are called 
upon by every consideration of duty and patriotism to vindicate 
with decision, the iionour, the rights, and the interests of our 
country." Immediately after, Congress passed an act recog 
nising the existence of war, and appropriating ten millions of 



LETTEK TO THE WAR DEPARTMENT. 159 

dollars, and empowering- the President to accept the services of 
fifty thousand volunteers for the army. The appropriations were 
made with great promptness and unanimity, but that part of tlie 
preamble which declared the war to exist by the act of Mexico, 
met with great opposition. 

The proclamation of the President was immediately issued, 
and, witli an ardour unprecedented in military annals, volunteers 
rushed to the call of their country. The influx of troops, how- 
ever, was so great and so rapid, that General Taylor was com- 
pletely embarrassed by their arrival — for they were unaccompanied 
by proper supplies and adequate means of transportation. This 
irregularity was, in part, owing to the indiscreet zeal of General 
Gaines ; who, in his anxiety to reinforce the Army of Occupation, 
had exceeded his instructions. 

Owing to the perplexing circumstances in which he was 
placed, General Taylor was unable to follow up the advantages 
gained over the enemy in the late battles. This will appear more 
})articularly by an extract from a letter to the War Department, 
dated June 3d : — 

" I am necessarily detained at this point for want of suitable 
transportation to carry on offensive operations. There is not a 
steamboat at my command proper for the navigation of the Rio 
Grande ; and without water transportation, I consider it useless 
to attempt any extensive movement. Measures have been taken 
to procure boats of suitable draught and description, and one or 
two may now be expected* In the mean time, I propose to push 
a battalion of infantry as far as Reynosa, and occupy that town. 
For any operations in the direction of Monterey, it will be neces- 
sary to establish a large depot at Camargo, which I shall lose no 
time in doing as soon as proper transports arrive, unless I receive 
counter-instructions from the Department. 

<< I trust the Department will see that I could not possibly have 
anticipated the arrival of such heavy reinforcements from 



160 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Louisiana as are now here, and on their way hither. Without 
large means of transportation, this force will embarrass, rather than 
facilitate our operations. I cannot doubt that the Department 
has already given instructions, based upon the change in our 
position since my first call for volunteers." 

Although General Taylor had asked but for eight regiments of 
men, his army was enlarged far beyond the requisition he had 
made, by successive arrivals of troops, while he was unable to 
make any forward movement for want of all the materials neces- 
sary for an invading army. With the straight-forward policy 
which has always characterized his conduct, he addressed a letter 
to the adjutant-general of the army on the 10th of June, in which 
he set forth the situation in which he was placed, in plain and 
explicit terms. 

" I beg leave earnestly to invite the attention of the Department 
to the following points : — 

" First. The great influx of volunteers at Point Isabel. Five 
regiments certainly from Louisiana, numbering, say 3600 men ; 
two regiments or battalions from Louisville and St. Louis, num- 
bering, say 1200 more ; several companies from Alabama, and 
I know not how many from Texas ; the latter now beginning to 
arrive. The volunteer troops, now under my orders, amount 
to nearly 6000 men. How far they may be increased without 
previous notification to me, it is impossible to tell. 

" Secondly. The entire want of the proper kind of transporta- 
tion to push my operations up the river. The boats on which I 
depended for this service were found to be nearly destroyed by 
worms, and entirely unfit for the navigation of the river. At my 
instance. Major Thomas, on the 18th of May, required from Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Hunt a boat of the proper description, and followed 
it up in a few days by a requisition for another. At the last dates 
from New Orleans no boat had been procured. Captain Sanders, 
of the engineers, was despatched by me to New Orleans, to assist 



LF.TTF.R TO THK WAR DEPARTMENT. 161 

in procuring suitable boats, but I liave yet received no report 
from him. 

"As I have previously reported, my operations are completely 
paralyzed by the want of suitable steamboats to navigate the Rio 
Grande. Since the 18th of May, the army has lain in camp near 
this place, continually receiving heavy reinforcements of men, but 
no facility for water transport, without which, additional numbers 
are but an embarrassment. 

" I desire to place myself right in this matter, and to let the 
Department see that the inactivity of the army results from no 
neglect of mine. I must express my astonishment that such 
large reinforcements have been sent forward to join the army, 
without being accompanied by the means of transportation, both 
by land and water, to render them efficient. As matters now 
stand, whatever may be the expectations of the Department, I 
cannot move from this place ; and unless Captain Sanders shall 
succeed in procuring boats of the proper kind, I can give no 
assurance in regard to future operations." 

In a letter to the same, dated a week later. General Taylor, 
with the frankness of a soldier, unwilling to have his character 
misconceived, complained of the delay of the Department to pro- 
vide him with the means of offensive operations, while the country 
was expecting him to prosecute the campaign. He uses the fol- 
lowing plain language : — 

" No steamboats have been sent out from New Orleans for the 
navigation of the Rio Grande, and in the absence of all informa- 
tion upon that point, or respecting the views of the government, 
I am altogether in the dark as to our future operations. I must 
think that orders have been given, by superior authority, to sus- 
})end the forwarding of means of transportation from New Orleans. 
I cannot otherwise account for the extraordinary delay shown b) 
the Quartermaster's Dej)artnienl in that city. Even the mails, 



162 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

containing probably important despatches from the government, 
are not expedited. 

'< Volunteer regiments have arrived from Louisville and St. 
Louis, making, with those from Louisiana, eight strong and 
organized battalions — mustering over 5000 men. 

"In addition, we have seven companies of Alabama volun- 
teers, and twelve or fifteen companies from Texas. Others from 
Texas are continually arriving. A portion of these volunteers 
has been lying in camp at this place for nearly a month, com- 
pletely paralyzed by the want of transportation. Exposed as 
they are in this climate to diseases of the camp, and without any 
prospect, so far as I can see, of being usefully employed, I must 
recommend that they be allowed to return to their homes." 

Great fears had been entertained throughout the country for 
the safety of General Taylor and his little army, when threatened 
by the legions of Arista ; and the brilliant victories of the 8th and 
9th of May came unexpectedly, and filled the whole country 
with enthusiastic admiration. In almost every city, meetings 
were called to express the general joy, and legislative and 
municipal bodies vied with each other in awarding honour to the 
triumphant general and his troops. 

The President of the United States immediately forwarded 
General Taylor a commission, as Major-General by brevet ; and, 
with great cordiality, expressed the profound sense which he 
entertained of the meritorious services of the gallant general, and 
all the oflficers and men under his command. On the 18th of 
June, Congress passed an act, promoting him to the rank of a 
full Major-General in the army of the United States ; and shortly 
after, the Secretary of War forwarded his commission, with 
remarks of a complimentary character. 

About this time, general officers were appointed to command 
the volunteer troops. They were, "William 0. Butler of Ken- 
tucky, and Robert Patterson of Pennsylvania, major-generals ; 




MA.I-. GEN. ROBERT F A TT K RhO N . 



OCCUPATION OF REYNOSA, 163 

anil Gideon J. Pillow of Tennessee, Thomas L. Hamer of Ohio, 
John A. Quitman of Mississippi, Thomas Marshall of Kentucky, 
Joseph Lane of Indiana, and James Shields of Illinois, brigadier- 
generals. Generals Butler and Patterson were officers in the 
army during the last war with Great Britain, and tlie former was 
distinguished for his good conduct at the battle of New Orleans, 
where he was a member of General Jackson's staff. 

While waiting for boats, and other things necessary to enable 
him to make a forward movement with the main body of the 
army. General Taylor had sent detachments to occupy the differ- 
ent towns up tlie Rio Grande, whose occupation was necessary to 
his advance upon Monterey. 

On the 1st of June, the Alcalde of Reynosa, together with 
many of tlie principal citizens of the place, tired of the depreda- 
tions and ill treatment of the rancheros, waited on General 
Taylor, asking the protection of the American flag, and tendering 
the surrender of the town. Accordingly, on the 5th, General 
Taylor despatched Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson, with the 1st 
infantry, a section of Bragg's battery, under Lieutenant Thomas, 
and Price's Texan rangers, to take possession of the place and 
hold it. After a fatiguing march of four days and a half, the 
colonel reached Reynosa with his command, and took undisputed 
possession. He was ordered by the commanding-general to tlirow 
up intrenchments, and fortify the place ; but he occupied with 
his troops the plaza, which was sufficiently protected by the 
heavy stone buildings that surrounded it, without additional 
defences. 

Having determined to make Camargo his principal depot and 
the base of his future operations, General Taylor ordered Captain 
-Miles, of the 7th infantry, to capture the town from the enemy. 
It was held at that time by about seven hundred rancheros, under 
(jeneral Canales. The captain's orders were, on reaching Rey- 
nosa to take two pieces of Bragg's battery, commanded by Lieu- 
23 



164 HISTORY OF THK MKXICAN WAR. 

tenant Thomas, and Captain iNIcCullough's company of Texan 
rangers. The latter, with three companies of the 7th infantry, 
were to march by land, under Captain Holmes; Captain Miles, 
with the other three companies, was to ascend the river in 
steamers. This expedition was considered an honourable testi- 
monial to the bravery of the defenders of Fort Brown. 

The progress of the boats was slow, on account of the flood ; 
and one, with Captain Ross and company, was left behind. The 
other, with Captain Miles and the other two companies, continued 
on. About dusk, while moving on in utter ignorance of the bear- 
ings of the river, an American, named Davis, was discovered 
lurking in the swamp to escape from Canales, from whom they 
learned that the boat was just below the mouth of the river San 
Juan, and within tw'o miles of Camargo. Their informant also 
stated, that Canales was then in town with about two hundred 
men, and intended fighting, if the citizens would permit him. 

On approaching the town, Captain Miles sent that night to the 
Alcalde, General Taylor's proclamation, and his own summons 
for the surrender of the town. He gave notice, that he would 
take possession at nine o'clock the next morning. About mid- 
night the Alcalde returned answer, that the town would be given up 
as demanded. The entire force under Captain Miles, officers and 
men, did not exceed eighty-five ; yet with these he boldly advanced 
and took formal possession, at nine o'clock on the 11th of July. As 
the troops entered the town, Canales with his cavalry scampered 
out towards the west. This small force held the town until the 
morning of the 12th, when Captain Holmes arrived with his com- 
mand, and on the evening of the same day, Captain Ross with 
his company. The whole then took possession of the grand 
plaza, and held the place. Soon after the planting of the Ameri- 
can standard at this place, steamboats arrived daily, freighted with 
troops and government stores, and the river-banks were lined 
with tiers of barrels, boxes, and bales. 



ORGANIZATION OF TIIR ARMY. 1(>5 

On the last day of July, Captain Vinton took undisputed pos- 
session of jMier, with a company of the 3d artillery, and a small 
party of Texan rangers, and stacked his arms in the i)laza. 

After the capture of Matamoros, the steady influx of volunteers 
from the United States, increased the strength of the army to over 
nine thousand men. On the 5th of August, General Taylor, 
having completed all his arrangements for a forward movement, 
left jNIatamoros for Camargo, which had been occupied as a main 
depot for provisions. On the iSth of the same month, the army 
was organized in two divisions. 

The First Divison, under Brigadier-General Twiggs, consisted 
of four companies of the 2d dragoons, Lieutenant-Colonel May, 
and Captain Ridgely's battery; Captain Bragg's battery, 3d 
infantry. Major Lear, and 4th infantry, IMajor Allen, forming the 
Third Brigade of regulars, and commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel 
Garland ; and the 1st infantry, Major Abercrombie, and the Balti- 
more and Washington battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Watson, 
forming the Fourth Brigade, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel 
Wilson. This division numbered two thousand and eighty men. 
The Second Division, under General Worth, consisted of Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Duncan's battery, the artillery battalion, Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Childs, and 8th infantry. Captain Scrivner, 
forming the First Brigade, commanded by Lieutenant- Colonel 
Staniford ; and Lieutenant Mackall's battery, 5th infantry, IMajor 
M. Scott, 7th infantry. Captain Miles, and Captain Blanchard's 
company of Louisiana volunteers, forming the Second Brigade, 
commanded by Colonel P. F. Smith, of the mounted riflemen. 
The whole column amounted to seventeen hundred and eighty 
men. 

On the arrival of the volunteers, a third division was organized, 
under the command of Major-Gencral Butler, consisting of the 
1st Kentucky regiment, Colonel Ornisby, and 1st Ohio regiment, 
Colonel Mitchell, forming the first brigade, commanded by 



166 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

General Hamer ; and the 1st Tennessee regiment, Colonel Camp- 
bell, and Mississippi regiment. Colonel Davis, forming the Second 
Brigade, commanded by General Quitman. The sum total of 
this division was two tliousand eight hundred and ten men. 

The Texas Division, which arrived during the march upon 
Monterey, consisted of the 1st and 2d regiments of mounted vol- 
unteers, under Colonels Hays and Woods. It was commanded 
by Governor T, Pinckney Henderson, with the rank of major- 
general, and was detached, as occasion required, to co-operate 
with the other divisions. 

The total number of effectives destined for this particular ser- 
vice, was, therefore, six thousand six hundred and seventy men. 
Besides these, a garrison of two thousand men was established at 
Camargo, for the protection of that important point, and small 
detachments at points of less significance. Of these six thousand 
six hundred men composing the divisions organized for marching 
upon Monterey, nearly four thousand were raw and imdisciplined 
volunteers. 

The march to Monterey was commenced on the I8th of August, 
by the Second Division, under General Worth, moving upon 
Seralvo, with the view of occupying that place as a depot of 
supplies. 

The First Division, under Twiggs, follo\vied on the 31st of the 
same month. The Volunteer Division was ordered to bring up 
the rear, as fast as the means of transportation arrived. 

On the Gth of September General Taylor started for Seralvo, 
leaving Major-General Patterson in command at Camargo, with 
authority over all the troops between that place and the mouth 
of the Rio Grande, — some three thousand in number. 

A considerable portion of these troops might have been added 
to the main column, under General Taylor, if sufficient means of 
transportation has been at his disposal. Before leaving Camargo, 
General Taylor addressed to the Adjutant- General of the army a 



LETTER TO THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 167 

letter, which, as it will relieve liim from the imputation of any 
want of promptness in the prosecution of the campaign, we give 
entire : — 

HEAD-QrAKTERS, ArMV OF OCCUPATION, ) 

Cainargo, September 1, 18'1G. j 

" Sir : Before marching for the interior, I beg leave to place 
on record some remarks touching an important branch of the 
public service, the proper administration of which is indispen- 
sable to the efliciency of a campaign. I refer to the Quarter- 
master's Department. There is at this moment, when the army 
is about to take up a long line of march, a great deficiency of 
proi)er means of transport, and of many important supplies. 

" On the 26th April, when first apprising you of the increased 
force called out by me, I wrote that I trusted the War Depart- 
ment would < give the necessary orders to the staff department, 
for the supply of this large additional force ;' and when first 
advised of the heavy force of twelve-months' volunteers ordered 
hither, I coidd not doubt that such masses of troops would be 
accompanied, or, preferably, preceded by ample means of trans- 
portation, and all other supplies necessary to render them efficient. 
But such has not been the case. Suitable steamboats for the Rio 
Grande were not procured without repeated efforts directed from 
this quarter, and many weeks elapsed before a lodgment could 
be made at this place, the river being perfectly navigable. 

"After infinite delays and embarrassments, I have succeeded 
in bringing forward a portion of the army to this point, and now 
the steamers procured in Pittsburg are just arriving. I hazard 
notliing in saying, that if proper foresight and energy had been 
displayed in sending out suitable steamers to navigate the Rio 
Grande, our army would long since have been in possession of 
Monterey. 

"Again, as to land-transport. At this moment our wagon 
train is considerably less than when we left Corpus Christi, our 



168 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

force being increased five-fold. Had we depended upon means 
from without, the army would not have been able to move from 
this place. But fortunately the means of land-transport existed 
to some extent in the country, in the shape of pack-mules, and 
we have formed a train which will enable a small army to 
advance perhaps to Monterey. I wish it distinctly understood, 
that our ability to move is due wholly to means created here, 
and which could not have been reckoned upon with safety in 
Washington. 

"I have adverted to the grand points of water and land trans- 
portation. Of the want of minor supplies, the army has suffered 
more than enough. The crying deficiency of camp equipage has 
been partially relieved by the issue of cotton tents, of indifferent 
quality. Our cavalry has been paralyzed by the w^ant of horse- 
shoes, horseshoe-nails, and even common blacksmith's tools, 
while many smaller deficiencies are daily brought to my notice. 

• <■<■ I respectfully request that the above statement, which I make 
in justice to myself and the service, maybe laid before the Gene- 
ral-in-Chief and Secretary of War. 

"I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Z. TAYLOR, 
Maj. Gen. U. S. A.^ commanding. 

The Adjutant-General of the Army, Washingtonj D. C." 

On the 9th, the First and Second Divisions, now close up with 
each other, entered in admirable order the beautiful little town 
of Seralvo, accompanied by the General-in-Chief. At this place, 
a number of proclamations from General Arapudia gave the first 
authentic information that the possession of Monterey would be 
disputed. The information received by General Taylor respect- 
ing the force and disposition of the enemy, had been hitherto of 
the most meagre and contradictory character. So late as the 
31st of August, General Taylor, writing to the War Department, 



MARCH ON MONTEREY. 169 

Stated, from what he supposed reliable information, that there 
^vere "not more than two thousand or twenty- five hundred regu- 
lar troops at Monterey, and a considerable number of the militia 
of the country." This force he estimates in all as not over six 
thousand, and expresses himself in a subsequent letter as doubt- 
ful Avhether Ampudia would attempt to hold the city. Most of 
the reports coincided, with regard to the number of troops at 
^Monterey ; while some Mexicans, professing to come direct from 
the city, asserted that the American array would meet with no 
opposition. 

The tidings, however, gradually assumed a graver and less 
dubious character. 

On the 11th of September, a spy came in from Monterey with 
far more accurate information, concerning the force of the gar- 
rison and the strength of the works, than any previously received. 
His relation seemed so extravagant, that many of the officers did 
not believe it at all. A map of the batteries reported by him to 
protect the town, was, however, made by a member of the staff 
of General Worth. 

The next day the jiioneers of the army, consolidated into one 
party, under the command of Captain Craig, were thrown for- 
ward on the route to Marin, for the purpose of making the road 
practicable for artillery and wagons. The operations of this party 
were covered by Captain Graham's squadron of dragoons, and 
McCullough's company of rangers. 

On arriving the following day at Papagayo, the enemy appeared 
in considerable force ; and Captain Craig, believing his party 
inadequate to venture an attack, despatched a courier to hasten 
on the First Division. 

On the 14th, Captain McCullough, with forty rangers, set out 
on an expedition to the town of Ramas. After skirmishes with 
inconsiderable parties, he attacked two hundred of the enemy 
near the town, and after a spirited firing, charged them at full 



170 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

speed and drove them through the town. He returned to the 
advance after this engagement, and found that General Taylor 
had arrived with the First Division. 

The column of Major-General Butler having arrived, the First 
Division was put in motion towards Marin on the 13th, closely 
followed by the Second Division and that of the volunteers. 

This march was excessively fatiguing both to men and horses : 
the days were intensely hot, and the road both rocky and rugged. 
But the character of the scenery along the line of route was 
of a description well calculated to beguile even the wayworn 
soldier of some portion of his weariness. 

In front, and on either hand, magnificent mountains were piled 
over one another in an ascending series, until the abrupt and fan- 
tastic peaks of the highest range stood out clearly defined against 
the deep blue of the cloudless sky. These mountains, clothed with 
chaparral and delicate flowering shrubs, presented at every turn 
of the road an ever- varying aspect, while valleys of extraordinary 
beauty, broken by bold hills and precipitous chasms, lent a con- 
stant charm to scenes which the gallant little army, with its 
artillery and wagons and mules stretched out for miles among 
the undulations of the hills, imbued with spirit and with life. 

But the pleasant emotions elicited by the loveliness of the 
country through which the troops were passing soon changed to 
feelings of a more stirring character, when the enemy's cavalry 
were seen hovering in the distance, and reports of occasional 
skirmishes were passed from lip to lip. 

Slowly receding, however, as the American troops advanced, 
tne swarthy lancers of Torrejon seldom suffered either the dra- 
goons or rangers to come within easy fighting distance. 

Near the dilapidated village of Marin the First Division 
encamped on the 16th, until the rear divisions came up. The 
village was found almost entirely deserted. The cavalry of the 



APPROACH TO MONTEREY. 171 

enemy, in passing through it, had driven the poorer people into 
the chaparral, and carried with them the local authorities. 

Here General Taylor concluded to remain two days, in order 
to concentrate his forces. Even this brief halt was of conside- 
rable service in resting his men from the fatigues of the march. 

From the tower of the cathedral at Marin, the city of Monterey, 
though still twenty-five miles distant, was distinctly visible. Its 
picturesque appearance, embosomed among mountains, was the 
source of many an animated remark between the officers and their 
subordinates, as they surveyed, apparently so near, the point at 
which it was now ascertained a garrison of nine thousand men 
was assembled, protected by fortifications of the most formidable 
character. 

The troops, at length, certainly expected to meet with a stub- 
bom resistance ; and this expectation was partially confirmed on 
the evening of the 17th, by a letter which the General-in-Chief 
received from the Spanish consul at Monterey, inquiring whether 
the property of foreigners in that city would be respected. The 
reply returned by General Taylor was, that if the town should be 
taken by assault, he could not be responsible for the consequences 
that might ensue. 

On the morning of the 18th, the First Division, followed by the 
Second and Third, took up its line of march, and reached the 
town of Francisco. 

At Agua Frio, eleven miles from Marin, the army was joined 
the same evening by a brigade of mounted Texans, under Gene- 
ral Henderson. The well earned reputation for daring bravery 
which this class of soldiers had acquired, made so strong a rein- 
forcement, when within a few hours' march of the city of Monterey, 
as inspiriting as it was seasonable. 

At sunrise the next morning. General Taylor and his staflj 
accompanied by McCullough's and Gillespie's rangers, pushed 
24 



172 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

forward to reconnoitre the city, closely supported by Henderson's 
noble brigade. 

The columns of Twiggs, Worth, and Butler, advancing in 
order of battle, followed. By nine o'clock A, M., the army had 
reached within three miles of the city, when the report of a can- 
non suddenly startled the air and echoed from mountain to 
mountain. This was followed by others in quick succession. It 
was the challenge of Ampudia. The men no longer felt weary. 
Inspired with new energies, and filled with the most enthusiastic 
ardour, they pushed rapidly forward, ready to answer at once, if 
need be, that daring challenge to battle, the voice of whose thun- 
der was still reverberating among the mountains. 

But General Taylor was already aware, that before the com- 
mencement of the assault a more extended knowledge of the 
enemy's strong points would be necessary. He saw at once that 
the contest, come when it might, would be fierce and sanguinary. 
The brief reconnoissance he had been enabled to make, showed 
him strong forts and batteries, surrounding a compactly built city, 
the thick walls of whose houses might well afford protection to a 
determined enemy, whose expulsion would require the utmost 
exercise of coolness and daring. 

Quickening their pace, and shouting as they ran, the troops of 
the First Division soon reached the spot where the General-in- 
Chief, surrounded by his staff, was quietly surveying with his 
glass the defences of the city. 

This being done, and reconnoissances ordered to commence 
at once, the division was countermarched until it reached the 
beautiful grove called Walnut Springs, where the army was 
encamped for the night. 

These lovely and secluded woods, soon to become famous in 
history as the favourite camp of General Taylor, consist of a mag- 
nificent collection of pecan and live-oak trees, flourishing with the 
greatest luxuriance, in what must have formerly been the basin 



MONTEREY. 173 

of a small oblong lake. The grounds, sloping on all sides 
towards tlie centre, arc naturally beautified by numberless springs, 
fountains, and cascades. 

The grove of San Domingo, or Walnut Springs, the pride and 
constant resort of the citizens of Monterey, is preserved vith the 
most scrupulous care. It is three miles long, and about three- 
quarters of a mile in ^vidth. Within its sylvan recesses many a 
gay group had listened to the music of guitar and mandolin, 
and bounded through the intricate majccs of the dance with light 
hearts and laughing lips. Among its cool shadows, and where the 
silence was only broken by the lulling sounds of rivulet and 
waterfall, many a loving couple had given utterance, in the stately 
music of the Spanish tongue, to the beautiful fancies w^ith which 
young passionate hearts build up the romance of the unknown 
future. 

The scene was now changed. Guitar and mandolin had given 
place to the spirit-stirring sounds of trumpet-blast and drum — the 
neighing of war-steeds, and the clash of arms. Where the light 
feet of joyous dancers once bounded merrily, the heavy tramp of 
martial men now fell in measured stroke upon the ear ; and where 
delighted lovers once breathed their ardent vows, the watchful 
sentinel now paced his solitary round. Led by a sturdy gray- 
haired man, quiet and unostentatious in manner, but bold in 
resolve, and energetic in action, the hardy warriors of the North 
had pitched their tents among the cool and grateful shadows of 
the sequestered grove, and now waited with high hopes and a 
quicker pulse the fierce events of that morrow which was to bring 
to many a hero's grave — to all, a soldier's glory. 



CHAPTER XL 

Monterey — Defences of the City — Mexican Forces — Reconnoissances — Worth's 
Column of Attack — Occupation of the Pass in the west — Defences in that direction 
— Operations of the First Division — Colonel Garland's command — Severe fire 
from the Enemy's Batteries — Fall of Major Barbour and Colonel Watson — Cap- 
tain Backus — 4th Infantry — General Quitman's Attack on Redoubt No. 1 — 
Redoubt taken and guns turned on the Enemy — General Butler's command — 
Cavalry repulsed by Bragg's battery — Worth's Operations — Engagement with 
the Lancers — Storming-party under Captain Smith — 7th Infantry under Captain 
Miles — Reinforcement under General Smith — Attack on Fcderacion Ilill and 
Fort Soldada — Taken and occupied — Storming-party under Lieutenant Childs — 
Independence Hill — Sortie from the Bishop's Palace — Palace taken — Operations 
under General Taylor — Approach to the Grand Plaza — Capitulation — Terms of 
the Convention. 

Monterey, the capital of New Leon, is situated on the north- 
ern bank of the Arroyo Topa, in the valley of San Juan. The 
Sierra Madre girdles, and in some places closely approaches it 
on three sides, but receding on the North, leaves the whole extent 
of the valley and its tributaries open in the direction of Marin. 

The city is approached in front by the roads from Marin and 
Guadalupe, and on the West through a stupendous rift of the 
Sierra Madre, by the road from Saltillo. 

Northward from Monterey run the roads to Monclova and Pres- 
queria Grande. While on the South, across the Topa, a road 
extends in the direction of Guaxuco. 

West of the city, the approaches were defended by Fort Inde- 
pendencia, a strong work on the crest of a steep hill, and by the 
Bishop's Palace, a castellated structure on the slope of the same 
hill, below. South of these, on the other side of the river, was 
Federacion Hill and an adjoining height, both of which were 
fortified by redoubts and batteries. In front, and to the north of 
the city, was the citadel, also regularly fortified. 

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RECONNOISSANCES. 175 

In advance of the city, to the east, the works consisted of a 
succession of strong redoubts, mounting fourteen guns ; and 
behind these, and within tlie city, were infantry breastworks sup- 
porting the redoubts. In rear of these, again, was a line of 
barricades, commanding all the avenues, and the terrible tete-du- 
pont of the Purisima bridge. Nor were these all ; the houses 
being strongly built of stone, their flat roofs and low parapets 
afforded shelter to numbers of armed men, whose commanding 
jiosition enabled them to direct a plunging fire upon the assailants; 
wiiile the batteries, breastworks, and barricades below, were 
raking the streets. 

The correct force of the enemy, as subsequently verified, was 
ten thousand men, of whom seven thousand were regular troops. 
Notwithstanding this large force, General Taylor felt confident 
of being able to carry the place by storm, by the bayonet, and 
by artillery. 

Such were the difficulties against which the American army 
were preparing to contend. The reconnoissances, begun on the 
afternoon of the 19th, and extending to the morning of the 20th, 
though executed with great skill and coolness, under the repeated 
fire of the enemy, could obtain no information beyond what could 
be gathered of the works not masked by the buildings of the city. 
Within the city, the character of the defences remained unknow^n, 
until gradually ascertained, with great loss of life, after the assault 
had actually commenced. 

On the morning of the 20th the troo])S were ordered under 
arms. At ten o'clock A. M., the reconnoitring parties, one 
of which, under Major Mansfield, had observed the western 
approaches, the other, under Captain Williams, the eastern, 
returned and reported to the General-in-Chiof the result of their 
observations. 

The possibility of reaching the western approaches of the city 
being ascertained by Major Mansfield, the Second Division, 



176 HISTORY OF THE MKXICAN WAR. 

under Brigadier-General Wortli, was directed to turn the enemy's 
position by making a wide sweep to the right of the Marin road ; 
and, after joining the Saltillo road, to storm, if practicable, the 
detached works in that quarter. 

Accordingly, at two o'clock P. M., the Second Division, rein- 
forced by Hays's regiment of mounted Texans and McCullough's 
and Gillespie's companies of rangers, took up its line of march ; 
while, in order to divert the enemy, whose attention had been 
already drawn to the movement, the First Division, under Briga- 
dier-General Twiggs, and the field division of volunteers, under 
Major-General Butler, were ordered to form in line of battle upon 
the plain to the east of the city, and threaten the formidable 
redoubts in front. They remained in position until dark. During 
the afternoon, a battery was commenced for the mortar and two 
24-pound howitzers, with the view of opening a fire upon the 
city the following morning, during the attack by General Worth's 
column. The infantry and the 1st Kentucky regiment covered 
the erection of the battery during the night. The remainder of 
the troops were withdrawn, after dark, to their camp at Walnut 
Springs. In the mean time, General Worth had succeeded, with 
great difficulty, in gaining the vicinity of the Saltillo road, and at 
six o'clock P. M. the division was halted for the night, just 
without range of the battery upon Independence Hill and that 
of the Bishop's Palace, about midway of the same slope. 

Nearly opposite, on the other side of the Arroya Topa, were 
the forts of Federation and Soldada. These latter heights Gene- 
ral Worth determined to carry by assault, the following morning, 
and despatched an express to the General-in-Chief, informing 
him of his intention, and requesting that a strong diversion might 
be made in his favour on the eastern side of the city. This had 
already been determined upon by General Taylor, and was 
promptly responded to by him. 

Early on the morning of the 21st, the First and Volunteer 



STREET- FIGHT IN MONTEREY. 177 

Divisions were ordered under arms, and, supported by the light 
artilleiy, marched towards the city. The 2d dragoons, under 
Lieutenant-Colonel May, and Colonel Woods's regiment of Texan 
cavalry, were thrown to the right, to support General Worth, and 
make an impression upon the upper part of the town. The loud 
reports of artillery and small arms to the west of the city, proved 
the contest in that direction already begun. The mortar, under 
Captain Ramsey, and the howitzers, under Captain Webster, now 
opened from the east upon the citadel and town, and the main 
battle commenced. 

A portion of the First Division, under the command of Colonel 
Garland, and consisting of the 1st and 3d regiments of infantry 
and the Baltimore battalion, supported by Bragg's and Ridgely's 
batteries, was ordered to make a strong demonstration upon the 
lower part of the town, and carry, if possible, one of the redoubts. 
Major Mansfield and Captain Williams, topographical engineers, 
accompanied the column, and the most favourable points of 
attack were to be indicated by Major Mansfield. The column 
was accordingly formed, beyond reach of the guns of the enemy, 
when it received directions to move forward and attack battery 
No. 1, in advance of the north-east corner of the city. Major 
Mansfield, the chief engineer officer, covered by skirmishers, had 
already succeeded in reaching the suburbs. The remainder of 
the column followed, and although subjected, for a distance of 
five hundred yards across the plain, to the fire from battery No. 
1, and a severe cross-fire from the citadel, it dashed impetuously 
towards the city, passed the batteries in front, and entered the 
streets. In an instant, without note or warning, a masked bat- 
tery opened its deadly fire ; and from the tops of houses, from the 
corners of streets, from windows, and barricades, poured down 
one continuous storm of bullets. Without shelter; in a narrow 
street ; exposed to the enemy in every direction, without the pos- 
sibility of effectually returning his fire — officers and men fell 



178 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR, 

rapidly. Major Barbour, the first officer who fell, was killed 
instantly by an escopet ball passing through his heart. The 
assault at this point was hopeless ; so the column retired into the 
next street, under cover of the walls and houses. Here were 
brought the wounded, the dying, and the dead. The rnen still 
pressed on, encouraged by Major Mansfield, who, though 
wounded, with indomitable courage led them forward, and 
pointed out places of attack. 

At the head of the Baltimore battalion, here was seen the gal- 
lant Colonel Watson, cheering on his men with the courage of a 
veteran commander. When the stoutest hearts quailed amid the 
iron tempest poured upon them, dismounting from his horse he 
still pressed on, though followed by but few of his men. His 
horse was soon struck by a shot, and fell dead, and shortly after 
the colonel himself received a ball, which severed the jugular 
vein and killed him instantly. 

Bragg's battery now dashed up, but could make no impression 
upon the barricades. The firing increased : artillery and small- 
arms, hurling a storm of grape, canister, and bullets, at all 
imaginable angles, literally swept the streets. To have remained 
any longer, hemmed in by batteries and barricades and superior 
numbers of the enemy, would have entailed a still more terrible 
loss of life, without any corresponding prospect of success. The 
command was therefore withdrawn, for the purpose of seeking 
a more favourable point of attack.* 

During this time. Captain Backus, of the 1st infantry, with a 
mixed command, had possessed himself of a shed attached to a 
tannery. This shed faced the gorge of battery No. 1 , at a dis- 
tance of a hundred and twenty yards, and from behind the low 
parapets surmounting its roof the Americans poured a deadly and 
incessant fire into the battery. 

Learning, however, that Colonel Garland's command, unable 

' Captain Henry's Campaign Sketches. 




COL. WILLIAM H. WATSON. 



BUTLKR AND QUITMAN. 179 

any longer to maintain itself witliin the city, was in the act of 
withdrawing, Captain Backus also prepared to retire. At this 
moment the guns of all the batteries poured out a stream of fire 
upon two companies of the 4th infantry, advancing across the 
plain to join their comrades within the city. One-third of their 
number fell under this galling fire, among them the gallant Lieu- 
tenants Graham, Hoskins, and Woods. Captain Backus now 
determined to maintain his position at all hazards, and com- 
menced an avenging fire upon the battery No. 1, by which many 
of its defenders were killed, and the remainder considerably 
shaken. 

As soon as the heavy firing within the city indicated that Colo- 
nel Garland's command had met the enemy in force. General 
Taylor despatched the Volunteer Division, under Major-General 
Butler, to his support. The general himself, with the 1st Ohio 
regiment, entered the town to the right, leaving Colonel Ormsby, 
with the Kentucky regiment, to protect the batteries. 
. The brigade of General Quitman, consisting of the Mississippi 
and Tennessee regiments, formed in front of redoubt No. 1, and 
marched directly upon it, almost immediately in rear of the 
two companies of the 4th infantry, which had been so fearfully 
cut up. As soon as the brigade approached near enough for a 
dash at the work, the two regiments, stimulated by a generous 
rivalry, strove with each other which should be first within the 
work. 

The Mexicans, already staggered by the galling fire in rear, 
and now threatened in front by the impetuous advance of the 
determined brigade, precipitately retreated from the work, so that 
when the stormers poured like a resistless tide through the 
embrasures, and over the walls, but few of the enemy remained. 
These were quickly dispersed, leaving the battery, so long a 
source of terrible annoyance, with all its cannon and ammuni- 
tion, in the hands of the daring victors. 
25 



180 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

The Mississippians entered in front, Lieut. Colonel McClung 
being the first to mount the parapet. He fell wounded imme- 
diately after ; and, simultaneously with his fall, the Tennessee 
regiment carried the left, and flung their colours to the breeze. 

The cannon of battery No. 1 was instantly turned upon No. 2, 
a redoubt which, from the constant and fearful activity of its fire, 
had been named El Diablo, and loosely translated by the troops, 
" The DeviPs Own.'^'' Captain Ridgely, who in the commence- 
ment of the action had annoyed the enemy with a section of his 
battery, directed one of the 12's of the fort against the enemy 
with great effect, until the ammunition gave out. After that he 
advanced against the enemy's breastworks with his own battery, 
but unable to accomplish anything, returned again to the work 
taken from the enemy. 

While this heroic achievement was in the act of accomplish- 
ment, Butler entered the city to the right. Coming up shortly 
after with the shattered remains of Garland's noble column, 
General Butler was advised by Major Mansfield of the impracti- 
cability of attempting an assault in that direction. The two 
commands accordingly fell back, but they had scarcely reached 
the plain when the General-in-Chief, having learned the fall of 
the first battery, ordered the First Division immediately to return 
and hold possession of the captured work, while General Butler, 
with the Ohio regiment, marching to the left, should enter the 
city in the direction of El Diablo, and attempt to carry it by 
storm. 

The regiment accordingly advanced across the plain, and soon 
came under a galling fire from El Diablo, and from two batteries 
on the right. On approacliing nearer, a terrible fire of musketry 
was opened upon it from troops in rear of tiie redoubt, and so 
sheltered as to be perfectly secure from attack. At this juncture, 
General Butler and Colonel Mitchell both fell severely wounded ; 
and, as the redoubt was found to be protected in front by a deep 



PUENTK DK PUKISIMA. 181 

ditch, and in rear by masses of infantry, while its flank was 
defended by a high stone wall, the column was reluctantly 
ordered to fall back. No sooner was this movement observed 
than the Mexican cavalry, hovering under the guns of the citadel, 
made a sudden dash at the regiment. The charge was success- 
fully repulsed. The lancers, however, soon returned, strongly 
reinforced, when Bragg's battery hastened up to the support of 
the regiment, and by a series of rapid discharges, which did great 
execution, forced the enemy to retreat in disorder. 

During these operations on the left, Colonel Garland, with 
parts of the 1st, 3d, and 4th regiments, and of the Baltimore bat- 
talion, while remaining under cover of the captured battery, was 
ordered again into the city, for the purpose of carrying, if possi- 
ble, a battery supposed to be but a few streets beyond. No 
sooner had the column left its shelter, than the terrible fire of 
artillery and small-arms recommenced. Covering themselves as 
much as possible, the men advanced from street to street steadily 
and in good order. 

After moving cautiously along for some distance, and crossing 
exposed points whenever the enemy had momentarily exhausted 
his fire, the column suddenly found itself confronted by the tHe- 
du-pont of Puente de Purisima. An awful fire now burst upon 
them, and after attempting to turn the work by breaking through 
the walls of houses, and crossing gardens and yards, they found 
their progress arrested by the impassable character of the stream, 
the opposite bank of which was lined with masses of the enemy, 
whose force at the britlge was at least a thousand strong. The 
attacking column, amounting to only a hundred and fifty men, 
after forcing its way thus far, finding every street barricaded, and 
incessant firing still kept up from every point that offered cover 
to an enemy, abandoned all further effort to proceed, and once 
more fell back to the captured battery, with the loss of many of 
its bravest officers and men. 



182 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

This closed the engagement on the 21st. The day was now 
fast drawing to a close ; the First Division, reinforced by one bat- 
talion of the 1st Kentucky regiment, was ordered to hold posses- 
sion of the battery during the night, while the remainder of the 
troops, weary and dispirited, returned to the camp at Walnut 
Springs. 

On the western side of the city, the column under General 
Worth had been more fortunate. Early on the morning of the 
21st, the column recommenced its march for the Saltillo road. 
At six o'clock A. M., the advance consisted of Hays's regiment 
of Texans and the light companies of the First Brigade, under 
Captain C. F. Smith. These, while sweeping round the base of 
the mountain near the hacienda of San Jeronimo, came suddenly 
upon a strong force of cavalry and infantry, supported by a second 
body of cavalry in the cornfields beyond. The two foremosi 
companies of rangers, under McCullough and Acklen, imme- 
diately dismounted and threw themselves under cover of a fence to 
the left of the road. The lancers now dashed forward with the 
utmost impetuosity, the daring gallantry of their colonel rendering 
him conspicuous above all others. As they swept past, the rifles 
of the Texans and a fire of musketry from the skirmishers under 
Smith and Scott, told with murderous effect upon their ranks, 
while two companies of the 8th regiment, and a part of the 
mounted rangers, under Captain Walker, dashed in amongst 
them and engaged them hand to hand. Finding their com- 
rades thus severely handled, the lancers in reserve now galloped 
rapidly up to their support. In one minute Duncan and McCall's 
batteries were unlimbered, and poured a destructive fire upon the 
enemy over the heads of our own troops. Thus assailed in front 
by infantry and cavalry, on their flank by the terrible fire of 
skirmishers and rangers, and in rear by Duncan's and McCall's 
artillery, the lancers faltered, and within fifteen minutes their 
imposing array was broken into fragments, and fell back to the 



worth's operations. 183 

Saltillo road, with the loss of one hundred men killed and 
wounded ; among the former of whom was their brave colonel, 
Don Juan N. Najera, whose heroic conduct throughout the whole 
of the conflict won the unqualified admiration of all who wit- 
nessed it. 

The fugitives were promptly pursued, and the column moving 
forward under the fire of the guns from Federacion and Soldada, 
secured the gorge where all the debouches from Monterey unite, 
and thus cut off not only the retreating cavalry, but all other rein- 
forcements from entering the city in that direction.* 

General Worth now turned his attention to the capture of Forts 
Federacion and Soldada, situated on twin heights to the south 
of the Topa. The occupation of these was necessary, ultimately, 
as commanding the city, and immediately, as restoring the com- 
munication with head-quarters, which had been broken by sending 
troops to occupy the Saltillo road. By noon his plans were 
arranged. It was decided that the battery on Federacion Hill 
should be the first attacked. A storming-party was accordingly 
organized, under Captain C. F. Smith. It consisted of three 
hundred men, one half regulars, the other half Texans, and was 
ordered to cross the Arroyo Topa at a point beyond the reach of 
the enemy's guns, and commence the assault immediately. 
Shortly afterwards. Captain Miles, with the 7th infantry, was 
ordered to support the stormers. This reinforcement moved in a 
direct line, crossed the Topa under the fire of the enemy, and 
finding the forces of the enemy largely increasing, Brigadier- 
General Smith, with the 5th regiment and Blanchard's Louisia- 
nians, was also ordered to cross the river, co-operate with, and 
assume command of the storming columns. 

Discovering on his approach the practicability of carrying the 
Soldada simultaneously with Fort Federacion, Smith moved 

* VVorili's Official Report. 



184 HISTORY OF THK MKXICAN WAR. 

with the 5th and 7th regiments and Blanchard's company, 
obliquely up the hill in the direction of the former work. 

During this movement the stormers, under Captain C. F. 
Smith, clambered up the height, and under a severe fire of artil- 
lery and musketry, swarmed over the walls, drove the enemy 
from the work with rifle and bayonet, turned the gun upon the 
opposite fort, and then leaving a small detachment to hold pos- 
session, dashed over the hill to the support of their comrades, now 
nearly up with Fort Soldada. 

As soon as this heroic rivalry was observed, the 5th and 7th 
pressed on with accelerated speed, while side by side the Louisia- 
nians and rangers also contested the honour of first entering the 
work. 

Under a fire of grape and heavy discharges of small-arms, the 
mixed commands struggled up the ascent with unwavering gal- 
lantry, driving in the enemy's skirmishers before them. In the 
course of a few minutes the fort was abandoned by its dismayed 
garrison, and the colours of the United States planted in triumph 
upon the walls. Captain Gillespie, of the Texan mounted vol- 
unteers, was the first to mount the parapet and enter the work. 
The forts were now garrisoned by detachments of the victors. 
Captain Smith retaining possession of the first, Captain Miles of the 
last fort taken ; and this being done, the gallant division on both 
sides of the Arroyo Topa having tasted no food for thirty-six 
hours, was rested and refreshed preparatory to assaulting the 
opposite heights on the following morning. 

The enemy, from the Bishop's Palace, commenced a fire of 
round-shot and shell upon the 7th infantry in Fort Soldada, which 
was returned by the captured gun, under Lieutenant Dana. 

Independence Hill is seven or eight hundred feet high, and 
almost inaccessible on account of its perpendicularity, its rocky 
surface, and the thick and tangled bushes that cover it. With 
the Bishop's Palace, which it commands and overlooks, distant 
about three hundred and fifty yards to the south-east, it may be 



I- CRT INDKPKNDKiN'CIA. 185 

regarded as the key to Monterey on the western side. It was de- 
fended by artillery, ami in anticipation of an attack, strengthened 
by a heavy detachment thrown forward from the Bisho})'s Palace. 

Early on the morning of the 22d, the column was appointed to 
storm the Forts of Independencia and the Bishop's Palace. It 
consisted of three companies of the 8th infantry, three companies 
of the 3d and 4th artillery, and two hundred dismounted Texans, 
under Hays and Walker ; all under tlie command of Lieutenant- 
Colonel Childs. This column moved at three o'clock A. M., 
recrossed the river, and, favoured by mist and darkness, clam- 
bered up the steep ascent, unobserved by the enemy, until it 
gained within a hundred yards of the crest. Here the advanced 
pickets were first discovered, and a skirmishing fire commenced : 
but so great was the panic, that when the regulars and Texans 
approached within a few yards of the crest of the hill, and pour- 
ing in a heavy fire upon the startled enemy, dashed forward with 
rifles and bayonets, the work was precipitately abandoned. 
During the ascent of the hill, two gallant spirits fell, Captain Gil- 
lespie and Herman S. Thomas of the rangers, the former of 
Texas, the latter of Harford county, Maryland. The 5th regi- 
ment, under Major Scott, and Blanchard's Louisianians now 
crossed the river to aid the assault of Childs upon the Bishop's 
Palace. A 12-pound howitzer was hauled bodily up the steep 
ascent of Independencia, and being placed in battery, opened 
upon the Palace and its outworks with decided effect. Under 
cover of this fire, the column moved down the hill in the direction 
of the enemy's last remaining defence. Here the Mexican general 
had concentrated a large body of troops, and rendered desperate 
by the loss of Independencia, he attempted a formidable sortie 
from the Palace, for the purpose of recovering it. 

This sortie was, however, so effectually repulsed, that the 
troops soon gave way under the front and flank fires of the 
stormers, and being closely pursued, some fled past the Palace 



186 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

in the direction of the city, wiiile others, seeking the protection 
of the works, were followed so rapidly, that fugitives and pur- 
suers entered them together. 

A brief, spirited, but unavailing resistance then ensued. In a 
few minutes, amidst the sharp crack of the deadly Texan rifles — 
the clash of swords, the dull heavy sound of clubbed muskets, 
mixed up with shouts and yells and imprecations — the earnest 
cries of supplicating men and the groans of the wounded — the 
Mexican flag was hauled down, and the last outwork of the 
enemy was forcibly wrested from him. The guns of the Palace, 
together with Duncan's and McCall's batteries, which came up 
at a gallop, were now directed upon the retreating masses of the 
enemy with terrible effect. 

This ended the labours of the 22d. 

The division was now concentrated about the Palace, and upon 
the morning of the 23d the assault upon the city commenced. 

" Two columns of attack were organized, to move along the 
two principal streets in the direction of the great Plaza, composed 
of light troops, slightly extended, with orders to mask the men 
whenever practicable, avoid those points swept by the enemy's 
artillery, to press on to the first Plaza (Capella), get hold of the 
end of the streets beyond, then enter the buildings, and, by means 
of picks and bars, break through the longitudinal section of the 
walls, work from house to house, and ascending to the roofs, to 
place themselves upon the same, breast-high with the enemy." 

Such were the graphic directions given by General Worth for 
the assault of the city from the west. The plan was eminently 
successful. By dark the men had worked their way through 
walls and squares, until they had reached to within one square 
of the Great Plaza, carried a large building commanding the 
principal defences of the enemy, and during the night and suc- 
ceeding morning, placed two howitzers and a 6-pounder in 
battery upon its roof. A 10-inch mortar was also brought into 



FINAL STORM OF MONTEREY. 187 

the smaller square (Capella), and at sunset opened upon the 
main Plaza. 

In the mean time, on the eastern side of the city, the severe 
check received on the 21st had also been amply redeemed. 

During the 22d but little \\a.s attempted beyond a strong 
demonstration to favour the operations of General Worth ; but 
when the morning of the 23d arrived, the successes of Worth's 
column offered an opportunity of renewing the assault, under 
advantages not heretofore enjoyed. 

The enemy, too, evidently staggered by the pertinacity with 
which the storm was carried on, had deserted the battery of El 
Diablo, during the night of the 22d, and concentrated the main 
body of his forces nearer the heart of the city. 

Immediately this was made known to the General-in-Chief, 
the Mississippi and Tennessee regiments were ordered to take 
possession of the abandoned works. 

The enemy, however, holding some strong buildings close by, 
and a triangular work some two hundred yards off, still kept up 
an annoying fire through the gorge of El Diablo. 

The General-in-Chief now arriving in the city, directed Quit- 
man's brigade to move in, and force the annoying positions. It 
was immediately advanced, and a sharp firing once more swept 
the streets. Bragg's battery was also ordered up, supported 
by the 3d infantry. When within range of the guns of the cita- 
del, the battery crossed the field of fire at full gallop, and escaped 
injury. The infantry and battery now engaged the enemy, and 
drove him back with repeated discharges. 

While the assault was thus warmly urged by the Mississippi 
and Tennessee regiments, the dismounted Texans, under Hen- 
derson, entered the city, and the united commands, by breaking 
into houses, and crashing through walls, fought the enemy in his 
own manner, and in the midst of his own defences, until the 
defenders w^ere forced resolutely back into the very heart of 
the city. This being done, the columns of Quitman and Hen- 
26 



X88 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN AVAU. 

derson were withdrawn to the captured works, until such time a.' 
the General-in-Chief could concert with General Worth a com- 
bined attack upon the last remaining defences. This attack had 
been already anticipated by the latter officer ; so that by dusk of 
the 23d the respective commands, moving from east and west 
almost simultaneously, had each succeeded, though unknown to 
each other, in reaching to within one square of the principal 
Plaza. A heavy mortar had been placed in battery, and General 
Worth was ready to open upon the enemy in the morning with shell. 
The next morning, while preparations were being made to 
renew the attack, General Ampudia despatched a flag of truce 
to General Taylor, expressing a desire to negotiate for a surren- 
der of the city. The assault was accordingly suspended on both 
sides of the city, and commissioners having been appointed to 
confer with each other, the following basis of capitulation w'as al 
length agreed upon : — 

"Terms of the Capitulation of the citj' of Monterey, the capital of Nuevo 
Leon, agreed upon by the undersigned commissioners, to wit : General 
Worth, of the United States Army, General Henderson, of the Texan 
volunteers, and Colonel Davis, of the Mississippi riflemen, on the part 
of Majoi-Genoral Taylor, commanding-in-chief the United States forces; 
and General Requena and General Ortego, of the Army of Mexico, and 
Senor Manuel M. Llano, Governor of Nuevo Leon, on the part of Senor 
General Don Pedro Ampudia, commanding-in-chief the Army of the 
North of Mexico. 

«' Art. 1. As the legitimate result of the operations before the 
place, and the present position of the contending armies, it is 
agreed that the city, the fortifications, cannon, the munitions of 
war, and all other public property, with the under-mentioned 
exceptions, be surrendered to the commanding-general of the 
United States forces now at Monterey. 

" Art. 2. That the Mexican forces be allowed to retain the 
following arms, to wit : The commissioned officers their side- 
arms ; the infantry their arms and accoutrements ; the cavalry 
their arras and accoutrements ; the artillery one field-battery, not 
to exceed six pieces, with twenty-one rounds of ammunition. 






'/^-^ 




'''' V I ' 



P___i^ 










TF.KMS OF CAPITULATION. 139 

" Art. 3. Tluit the Mexican aniu'd force retire within seven 
clays from tliis date beyond the hue formed by the pass of tJie 
Rinconada, the city of Linares, and San Fernando de Pusos. 

" Art. 4. That the citadel of Monterey be evacuated by the 
Mexican and occupied by the American forces to-morrow morn- 
ing at ten o'clock. 

'< Art. 5. To avoid collisions, and for mutual convenience, 
that the troops of the United States will not occupy the city until 
the Mexican forces have withdrawn, except for hospital and 
storage purposes. 

"Art. 6. That the forces of the United States will not advance 
beyond the line specified in the third article before the expiration 
of eight weeks, or until the orders of the respective governments 
can be received. 

" Art. 7. That the public property to be delivered shall be 
turned over and received by officers appointed by the command- 
ing-generals of the two armies. 

" Art. 8. That all doubts, as to the meaning of any of the pre- 
ceding articles, shall be solved by an equitable construction, and 
on principles of liberality to the retiring army. 

"Art. 9. That the Mexican flag, when struck at the citadel, 
may be saluted by its own battery. 

W. J. Worth, Brig.- Gen. U. S. A. 
J. PiNKNKY Henderson, 

Major-Gen. commanding Texan volunteers. 
Jefferson Davis, Col. Mississippi Riflemen. 
J. M. Ortega. 
T. Requena. 
Manuel M. Llano. 
Approved : 

Pedro Ampudia. 
Z. Taylor, 

Major- Gen. U. S. A. commanding. 
Dated at Monterey, Sept. 25, 1846." 



CHAPTER XII. 

Evacuation of Monterey — Policy of the Capitulation — Views of the Administra- 
tion — General Taylor's letter — Retrospect of Mexican affairs — Elevation of 
Paredes — Pronunciamento in favour of Santa Anna — His arrival at Vera Cruz — 
Permission to pass through the Fleet — Termination of the Armistice — Projected 
Expedition against Tamaulipas — Opinions of General Taylor relative to the Pro- 
secution of the War — Saltillo occupied by the American troops — Protest of the 
Governor of Coahuila — Advance to Agua Nueva — General Wool's Expedition 
against Chihuahua — Arrival of Wool's column at Monclova — Marches to Parras — 
Tampico occupied — General Taylor marches upon Victoria — Reconnoissances 
towards Labradorcs and Linares — Arrival of General Scott in Mexico — With- 
drawal of troops from General Taylor — Orders consequent thereon — Santa Anna's 
March from San Luis Potosi against General Taylor — Ruse of General Taylor — 
Forces of Santa Anna — Angostura — February 22d — Summons of Santa Annate 
General Taylor to surrender — Taylor's Reply — Battle of Buena Vista — Skir- 
mishes — Result of the Action. 

At ten o'clock on the 25th, pursuant to the articles of capitu- 
lation, the ceremony of the surrender took place. General 
Worth, who by his labours had contributed so largely to the 
reduction of the place, was appointed to see the execution of 
the stipulations. Two companies of each regiment in the second 
division, with a section of each battery, the whole under the 
immediate command of Colonel Persifer F. Smith, were appointed 
to take possession of the citadel. These troops were drawn up 
on the road leading to the citadel, the Texans on one side, and 
the regulars on the other, while the imposing display was graced 
by the presence of General Taylor and staff, and all the principal 
officers of the army in splendid military costume. 

With a parting salute from the shrill bugle and the booming 
cannon, the Aztec eagle fluttered down from its airy height, while 
the " stars and stripes" floated upward on the gentle breeze, and 
unfolded from the citadel amid the strains of martial music and the 

(190) 



EVACUATION OF MONTEREY. 191 

united cheers of the victorious troops. From the other eminences, 
in like manner, the Mexican colours disappeared, and were 
replaced by the national ensign of the conquerors. The Mexicans 
then marched out from the citadel, between the two lines of 
the Americans, and the latter moved into the place they had 
quitted. The first division of the enemy marched out of the city 
on the 2Gth, the second on the 27th, and the remainder on the 
2Sth. General Ampudia accompanied the second division and 
proceeded with his troops to Saltillo. He wished to fortify the 
place, but since he had been unable to defend Monterey, a 
position having much greater advantages, the inhabitants refused 
their consent, whereupon he retired to San Luis Potosi, which 
became, shortly after, the head-quarters of the northern army. 
He, himself, soon became a prisoner in the castle of Perote, by 
order of Santa Anna, who had returned from exile, as will here- 
after be related. 

The terms of the capitulation, though favourable to the Mexi- 
cans, displayed not merely an exalted humanity on the part of 
General Taylor, but great military prudence, and sound policy. 
A brief consideration of the circumstances will serve to show 
this view of the capitulation to be correct. 

Without siege-artillery, or intrenching tools. General Taylor 
could not have carried the citadel without great loss to his troops, 
who were less than one-half the forces of the enemy. If he had 
carried the citadel, he could not have prevented the escape of 
the enemy, for he had not sufficient troops to invest the city ; nor 
had he means of transportation, so that he could have pursued 
him after he had compelled him to evacuate the city. If beaten, 
the Mexican general could still have retired with his troops, 
small-arms, and ammunition. 

How much better and wiser was it in General Taylor, to gain, 
without sacrificing the lives of his troops, all the advantages 
which could have been ultimately obtained, with tliis additional 
circumstance in his favour, that the moral effect upon the enemy 



192 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR, 

was much greater than if he had retired, as he could otherwise 
have done, without the consent of the Americans. 

The government at Washington, however, and a small portion of 
the administration party, did not approve of the terms of the cai)itu- 
lation, and especially the armistice. Accordingly, General Tay- 
lor was instructed by the President " to give the required notice, 
that the armistice was to cease at once, and that each party was 
at liberty to resume and prosecute hostilities without restriction." 
The reply of the general to this order, addressed to the Adjutant- 
General at Washington, is so full and satisfactory upon these 
points, that we insert it entire : — 

" Ca.mp mear Monterey, ) 
November 8, 1846. J 

" Sir : In reply to so much of the communication of the Secre- 
tary of War, as relates to the reasons which induced the conven- 
tion resulting in the capitulation of Monterey, I have the honour 
to submit the following remarks. 

" The convention presents two distinct points : First, the per- 
mission granted the Mexican array to retire with their arms, &c. 
Secondly, the temporary cessation of hostilities for the term of 
eight weeks. I shall remark on these in order. 

" The force with which I marched on Monterey was limited, by 
causes beyond my control, to about six thousand men. With 
this force, as every military man must admit, who has seen tlie 
ground, it was entirely impossible to invest Monterey so closely 
as to prevent the escape of the garrison. Although the niiiin 
communication with the interior was in our possession, yet one 
route was open to the Mexicans throughout the operations, and 
could not be closed, as were also other minor tracks and pa.sses 
through the mountains. Had we, therefore, insisted on moiv 
rigorous terms than those granted, the result would have btrn 
tlie escape of the body of the Mexican force, wnth the deslructiuii 



TAVI.OK S I.KTTF.R OK KXPLANATION. W.i 

of its artilk'iv and ina<::aziiU'S, our only atlvantap:e beinu; tlie caji- 
ture of a few prisoners of war, at the expense of valuable lives and 
much damaqe to the city. The consideration of humanity was 
present to my mind durino; the conference which led to the con- 
vention, anil outweiirhed, in my judtjjmcnt, the doubtful advan- 
tages to be gained by a resumption of the attack ujion the town. 
This conclusion has been fully confirmed by an inspection of the 
enemy's position and means, since the surremler. It was disco- 
vered that his principal magazine, containing an immense amount 
of jiowder, was in the ("athedral, completely exposed to our 
shells from two directions. The explosion of this mass of pow- 
der, which must have ultimately resulted from a continuance of 
the bombartlment, would have been infinitely disastrous, involving 
the destruction not oidy of Mexican troops, but of non-com- 
batants, and even our own people, had we pressed the attack. 

" In regard to the temporary cessation of hostilities, the fact 
that we are not at this moment, within eleven days of the termi- 
nation of the period fixed by the convention, prepared to move 
forward in force, is a sufficient explanation of the military reasons 
which dictated this suspension of arms. It paralyzed the enemy 
during a period when, from the want of necessary means, we 
could not possibly move. I desire distinctly to state, and to call 
the attention of the authorities to the fiict, that with all diligence 
in breaking mules antl setting up wagons, the first wagons in 
addition to our original train from Corpus Christi (and but one 
hundred and twenty-five in number), reached my head-quarters 
on the same day with the secretary's communication of October 
l."Jth, viz : the 2d in.stant. At the date of the surrender of Mon- 
terey, our force had not more than ten days' rations, and even 
now, with all our endeavours, we have not more than twenty-fivi-. 

ThK task of fighting ANP BKATING THK KNKMY IS AMONG TIIK. 

LF.A.ST DIFFICULT THAT wF, F.NCOUNTKR — the great qucstion of sup- 
plies necessarily controls ail the operations in a country like this. 



194 HISTORY OK THE MEXICAN WAR. 

At tlu' (late of the convention, I could not of course have foreseen 
that the Department would dire(;t an important detachment from 
ray command without consulting me, or without waiting the result 
of the main operation under my orders. 

'' I have touched the prominent military points involved in the 
convention of Monterey. There were other considerations which 
weighed with the commissioners in framing, and with myself in 
approving the articles of the convention. In the conference with 
General Ampudia, I was distinctly told by him that he had invited 
it to spare the further effusion of blood, and because General 
Santa Anna had declared himself favourable to peace. I knew 
that our government had made propositions to that of Mexico to 
negotiate, and I deemed that the change of government in that 
country since my instructions, fully warranted me in entertaining 
considerations of policy. My grand motive in moving forward 
with very limited supplies had been to increase the inducements 
of the Mexican government to negotiate for peace. Whatever 
may be the actual views or disposition of the Mexican rulers, or 
of General Santa Anna, it is not unknown to the government that I 
had the very best reason for believing the statement of General 
Ampudia to be true. It was my opinion al the time of the con- 
vention, and it has not been changed, that the liberal treatment 
of the Mexican army, and tlie suspension of arms, would exert 
none but a favourable influence in our behalf. 

'< The result of the entire operation has been to throw the 
Mexican army back more than three hundred miles, to the city 
of San Luis Potosi, and to open the country to us, as far as we 
choose to penetrate it, up to the same point. 

" It has been my purpose in this communication, not so much 
to defend the convention from the censure which I deeply regret 
to find implied in the Secretary's letter, as to show that it was not 
adopted without cogent reasons, most of which occur of them- 
selves to the minds of all who are acquainted with the condition 



ACCKSSION OK PAREDKS. 195 

of things here. To tliat eiul I beg thai it may be laid before the 
General-in-chit'f and Secretary of War. 

"I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Z. TAYLOR, 
Maj. Gen. U. S. Jl., commajidvng. 
The Adjutant-General of the Army, Washington, D. C." 

An extract from a letter of General Taylor's, of the date of • 
November 5th, still further shows that the armistice was of no 
disadvantage, because being without proper transportation he was 
not then in a condition to move further into the enemy's country. 

" In regard to the armistice, which would have expired by 
limitation in a few days, we lost nothing by it, as we could not 
move even now, had the enemy continued to occupy Saltillo ; for, 
strange to say, the first wagon which has reached me since the 
declaration of war was on the 2d instant, the same day on which 
I received from Washington an acknowledgment of my despatch 
announcing the taking of Monterey ; and then I received only 
one hundred and twenty-five, so that I have been, since May last, 
completely crippled, and am still so, for want of transportation. 
After raking and scraping the country for miles around Camargo, 
collecting every pack-mule and other means of transportation, I 
could bring here only eighty thousand rations (fifteen days' sup- 
ply), with a moderate supply of ordnance, ammunition, &c., to 
do which, all the corps had to leave behind a portion of their 
camp equipage necessary for their comfort, and in some instances, 
among the volunteers, their personal baggage. I moved in such 
a way, and with such limited means, that, had I not succeeded, 
I should no doubt have been severely reprimanded, if nothing 
worse, I did so to sustain the administration." 

We will now turn our attention for a moment to the affairs of 
Mexico. 

In January, Paredes, by a revolution which had been jointly 
projected by the army and clergy, gained the executive chair on 
27 



196 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

the downfall of Herrera. Instead of conciliating discordant par- 
ties by moderation and gentle measures, he changed both the 
letter and the spirit of the constitution acknowledged by his pre- 
decessors, abridged the privileges of the people, trampled upon 
the press, and arrogated to himself a power nearly absolute. In 
the embarrassed state of the treasury he appealed to the priest- 
hood for alienation of a part of the church fund, which disaffected 
in a measure a part of that influential body from him. 

The popular discontent was fomented by factious chiefs, until 
it broke out into open rebellion. There was a defection, not only 
of military bodies, but of cities, and provinces. Local govern- 
ments were overthrown, and the central power assailed. Vera 
Cruz pronounced in favour of Santa Anna on the 31st of July, and 
the capital, three days afterwards, followed the movement. A 
provisional government was declared, with General de Salas and 
other military chiefs at its head, which denounced all opposition 
to them as traitorous, and invited the return of all political exiles, 
especially Santa Anna, desiring him to assume the command of 
all the forces raised against the army of the United States of the 
North. A short conflict took place between the revolutionists 
and the troops of Paredes, when the latter abandoned his power 
and fled from the city. 

Thus recalled by his countrymen, Santa Anna sailed from 
Cuba, and arrived at Vera Cruz on the 16th of August, passing 
without molestation through the United States' squadron then 
blockading the place. This was done by express permission of 
the President of the United States, in the vain expectation that 
Santa Anna, so coming into power, would favour negotiations for 
peace. Instead of this, however, after a triumphal entry into the 
city of Mexico on the 15th of September, he united opposing fac- 
tions, and with singular energy and ability prepared to prosecute 
the war against the invaders with the utmost vigour. So far from 
answering the expectations of President Polk, Santa Anna 



PLAN OF OPF.RATIONS. 197 

promptly replied to General Taylor, wlien inviting propositions for 
peace some time after: "You ought to discard every idea of 
peace while a single North American treads in arms the territory 
of this republic, or while hostile squadrons remain in front of her 
ports." With these views and feelings, Santa Anna hastened to 
San Luis Potosi, the head-quarters of the northern army, and on 
the 8th of October, commenced to supply and equip the new 
levies for vigorous operations against the invaders of his country. 
For this end he not merely exerted his talents, but contributed 
much of his private fortune, and succeeded in raising and orga- 
nizing a large and powerful army. 

While General Taylor remained at Monterey, he received from 
Washington a letter containing instructions to terminate the 
armistice, and accordingly promptly notified Santa Anna that 
it would cease on the 1 3th of November. By a previous letter 
from the Secretary of War, General Taylor had been informed of 
the plan of the government in the prosecution of the war, and 
that it contemplated taking '< possession of the department of 
Tamaulipas, or some of the ])rineipal places in it," by means 
of a column advanced from the Rio Grande, which should have 
communication with the ships then in the gulf, and derive assist- 
ance from them. Tampico was particularly specified as a 
prominent point to be occupit-d by the American troops ; and 
Major-General Patterson was named by the Secretary as the 
choice of the government to command the expedition, assisted 
by Brigadier-Generals Pillow and Shields. A simultaneous 
movement upon San Luis Potosi was also suggested. 

In reply to the letter of the Secretary, General Taylor showed 
the impracticability of moving upon San Luis Potosi with the 
forces and means of transportation at his disposal ; but advised 
holding Monterey, with the places already in his possession, with 
advances pushed forward to occupy Saltilhi, and detachments at 
Monclova, Linares, Victoria, and Tamj)ico. He jiointed to Vera 



198 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Cruz or Alvarado as the proper base of operations against the city 
of Mexico, and advised the landing there of twenty-five thousand 
men, ten thousand to be regulars, if the government desired to 
strike a decisive blow at the power of Mexico. 

General Taylor considered Saltillo as a necessary outpost of 
the main body of his army at Monterey, because it covered the 
great defile leading from the low country to the table-land, and 
controlled the fertile region around Parras, while, as the capital of 
Coahuila, its occupation would be important in a political point 
of view. Accordingly, on the 12th of November, a division of 
the army under General Worth, consisting of two regiments of 
infantry, one company of volunteers, a field-battery of eight 
pieces, and eight companies of artillery, marched from Monterey 
to Saltillo. On the next day, General Taylor followed Worth's 
division, accompanied by two squadrons of dragoons. When he 
passed the boundary of the state of Coahuila, on his way to 
Saltillo, the governor of the state, Jose Marie de Aguirre, sent 
him a written protest, in which he remonstrated against the march 
of the Americans, and the usurpation of the territory, " with all 
the outrages and damages likely to accrue to the defenceless 
inhabitants." Without replying to this manifesto. General Taylor 
proceeded on to Saltillo, which he reached on the 16th, and 
encamped with his dragoons a little beyond the city. General 
Worth occupied the plaza. 

Reconnoissances were now ordered into the interior for about 
twenty-five miles, and the two principal routes in this direction 
covered by troops. The one towards San Luis Potosi was 
covered by General Worth's command, the other, towards Parras, 
through a fertile country, by the "Army of the Centre" under 
General Wool, which had arrived at Monclova on the 29th of 
October, and was now ordered by General Taylor to move upon 
Parras. We will now bestow attention upon this division of the 
forces invading Mexico. 



GK.N-KUAI. wool's DIVISION. 199 

Immediately after th(> passage of the act of May 13th, 1846, 
recognisiniT war between the republics, General Wool was ordered 
to muster into service the volunteers of Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, 
Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi. After organizing and 
sending to the seat of war about ten thousand men to reinforce 
General Taylor, he was ordered with the remainder to San Antonio 
de Bexar, where Colonel Harney of the 2d dragoons was stationed 
with a small force of regular cavalry, and some companies of 
Texan volunteers. During the month of August all the regiments 
and detachments arrived at the place of rendezvous, and were 
employed some weeks in learning the different military evolutions 
before taking the field. The Central Division, under General Wool, 
consisted of four companies of the 2d dragoons. Colonel Harney ; 
one company of the Uh artillery. Captain W^ashington, with eight 
pieces, two 12-pounders, and the remainder 6-pounders ; battalion 
of 6th infantry, Major Bonneville; Colonel Yell's regiment, Arkan- 
sas mounted volunteers ; 1st Illinois infantry, Colonel Hardin ; 
2d Illinois, Colonel Bissell; and one company of Kentucky cavalry, 
and one of Texan volunteers. Total strength, 2,829. 

The advance of the army of the centre, under Colonel Harney, 
left San Antonio on the 26th of September, and was followed by 
the head-quarters on the 29th. Colonel Hardin, with the 1st 
Illinois regiment, marched on the 2d of October; and the rear, 
under Colonel Churchill, followed some days after, comprising the 
2d Illinois, and various other detachments. 

From San Antonio, their route lay westward to Presidio, where 
they crossed the Rio Grande, through a country diversified by 
prairies, sandy deserts, and forests of chaparral. From Presidio, 
General Wool led his army through Nava and San Fernando to 
Santa Rosa, taking peaceable possession of the towns upon his 
route. On arriving at the latter place, he found his further march 
upon the city of Chihuahua, his ultimate destination, prevented 
by the impassable peaks of the Sierra Gorda. He turned aside. 



200 HISTORY OF Tin: MKXICAN WAR. 

therefore, to Moiulova, the ancient ca})ital of Chihuahua, from 
which he re{)oitetl to General Taylor at Monterey, who directed 
him to remain where he was, until ordered otherwise. General 
Wool, therefore, remained at Monclova until after the occupation 
of Saltillo, when he moved forward to Parras, and occupied the 
Alameda. At both these places he and his troops were treated 
with great kindness by the inhabitants. Having thus disposed 
his troops so that in case of further operations they could be 
thrown upon Zacatecas, Durango, or San Luis, as occasion might 
require, General Taylor returned to Monterey on the 23d of 
November. 

On the 14th of November, Tampico was taken without opposi- 
tion, by a portion of the Gulf squadron, and was garrisoned by a 
force under General Shields, consisting of eight companies of 
artillery, under Lieutenant-Colonel Belton, and a regiment of 
Alabama volunteers. Immediately after Tampico fell into the 
hands of the Americans, General Taylor determined to occupy 
Victoria, the capital of Tamaulipas. Situated at the debouchee 
of a pass through the mountains, threatening the flank of the 
Mexican army, should it advance from San Luis Potosi, and with 
Soto la Marina convenient as a depot, its occupation was con- 
sidered of great importance. Accordingly, General Taylor 
ordered General Patterson to march on Victoria, with three regi- 
ments of volunteers of his division, one of them Tennessee horse, 
while he himself, with the regular troops under Brigadier- 
General Twiggs, except those in garrison, and the regiments of 
General Patterson's division under General Quitman, would 
proceed to Montemorelos, and, after uniting with the column the 
2d Tennessee regiment, under orders for that place, to effect a 
junction with Major-General Patterson, before Victoria. 

When, in prosecution of this plan, General Taylor reached 
Montemorelos, a despatch arrived from General Worth, in com- 
mand a1 Saltillo, with the intelligence, that Santa Anna was 



OCCUPATION OF VICTORIA. 201 

about making a rapid movement upon Saltillo, and, after carrying 
that position, intended to attack Wool's forces at Parras. In con- 
sequence of this news. General Taylor ordered the volunteers, under 
Quitman, reinforced by a field-battery, to continue their march to 
Victoria, while he returned with Twiggs's division to Monterey, 
and immediately set out for Saltillo. General Wool, in the mean 
time, had moved up from Parras to reinforce General W^orth ; 
and Major-General Butler, who was in command at Monterey, 
advised in like manner of the threatened attack, had proceeded 
with reinforcements to Saltillo, and assumed command of the 
forces. On his way to Saltillo, General Taylor learned that 
Wool's column had joined Worth, and that no demonstration 
was likely to be made by the Mexican commander ; w^hereupon 
he considered Twiggs's division as unnecessary, and determined 
to proceed with it to Victoria, which place he reached on the 4th 
of January, w^here he was met on the same day by Major-Gene- 
ral Patterson, wuth troops from Matamoros. General Quitman 
had reached the place six days before. Upon his approach, the 
enemy occupying the town with a force of fifteen hundred cavalry, 
fell back to Jaumaze, in the direction of the Tula Pass. 

From Montemorelos, on his way to Victoria, General Taylor 
despatched a party of engineers, protected by May's squadron of 
dragoons, to reconnoitre the mountain passes from that to Labra- 
dores and Linares, and on their return, ten men of the rear-guard 
were cut off by the enemy. 

Wliile proceeding to Victoria, General Taylor learned the arri- 
val of General Scott in Mexico, to assume the command of an 
expedition against Vera Cruz, with the view of making it the 
base of a new line of operations, having for their ultimate design 
the reduction of the Mexican capital. 

General Taylor had received intimations of this design some 
time before, and now awaited, at Victoria, despatches from the 
General-in-chief in relation to it. These arrived on the 11th 



202 HISTORY OK THE MEXICAN WAR. 

of January, and contained a demand for the greatci- part of his 
army, embracing nearly all his regulars, with the volunteer divi- 
sions of Generals Worth and Patterson, and the brigade of Quit- 
man and Twiggs. The forces of the latter generals were already 
at Victoria ; the troops, under Worth, marched from Saltillo back 
to Camargo, and thence to Matamoros, and joined General Scott 
at the Brazos. 

On parting with the troops, endeared to him by long and faith- 
ful services, the commanding-general gave expression to his 
feelings in the following orders : — 

" It is with deep sensibility that the commanding-general finds 
himself separated from the troops he so long commanded. To 
those corps, regular and volunteer, who have shared with him 
the active services of the field, he feels the attachment due to 
such associations, while to those who are making their first cam- 
paign, he must express his regret that he cannot participate with 
them in its eventful scenes. To all, both officers and men, he 
extends his heartfelt wishes for their continued success and hap- 
piness, confident that their achievements on another theatre will 
redound to the credit of their country and its arms." 

After thus withdrawing nearly all his forces, it was the wish 
of the government, in which General Scott concurred, that General 
Taylor should withdraw his troops from Saltillo and fall back to 
Monterey, but as he considered the occupation of the place 
important for the procuring of supplies, and essential to the due 
defence of the line he held, he not only continued to hold Saltillo, 
but advanced with his main force to Agua Nueva, eighteen miles 
beyond. He deemed this prudent, because the place had a large 
plain to drill his troops in, and held in observation the road from 
San I.uis, and the dififerent passes in the vicinity; and while there, 
lie would be in position to attack the enemy at a disadvantage 
after advancing over a barren waste that afforded neither water 
Mor food of any kind. 



KNCAMPMF.NT AT AGUA NUKVA. 203 

On the 22(1 of January, a party of Arkansas and Kentucky 
cavalry, seventy in number, under Majors Ikirland and Gaines, 
was surprised and ca})tured at the hacienda of Encarnacion, forty- 
eight miles from Saltillo, by the cavalry under General Minon. 
A party of seventeen of the Kentucky volunteers under Captain 
Heady, was also captured on the.27tii of the same month, and 
the advanced pickets were frequently driven in by the enemy. 
These occurrences, with the frequent rumours of the march of 
Santa Anna against the American army, disposed General Taylor 
to believe an attack would soon be made. lie therefore left 
Monterey on the 31st of January, with a reinforcement of five 
hundred men for General Wool's column, and proceeded to 
Agua Nueva, on the San Luis road, where he remained encamped 
until the 21st of February. 

Lieutenant-Colonel May, with a strong reconnoitring party, 
consisting of four companies of the 1st and 2d dragoons, a section 
of Washington's battery under Lieutenant O'Brien, and some 
volunteer cavalry, making an entire force of four hundred mounted 
men, was sent on the 20th to Iledionda to ascertain the presence 
of General Minon, who had been hovering near with his cavalry 
for some time, and whether the enemy under Santa Anna might 
be advancing. At the same time. Major McCullough with a 
party of Texan spies was sent to Encarnacion for the same 
puqiose. 

On reaching Iledionda in the afternoon. Colonel May sent out 
pickets in every direction through the valley in which it was 
situated, to gain intelligence of the enemy, and shortly after 
saw at the extremity of the valley, near the hacienda of Potosi, 
signal fires lighted on several peaks, and clouds of dust, indicating 
the march of troops. These clouds of dust appeared to move 
around the hills in the neighbourhood of Guachuchil, whence he 
inferred that Minon's brigade was marching around, to gain a 
position between him and the main army, and thus cut him ofT. 
28 



204 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR, 

Having to await the return of his pickets, and expecting an 
attack, he prepared for a defence, by placing bales of cotton at 
each end of the street running through the rancho. 

About ten o'clock, by which time the pickets had all returned 
except one, a deserter from the Mexican army came to Colonel 
May with the intelligence that General Minon was in the neigh- 
bourhood, and that Santa Anna was at Encarnacion that morning 
W'ith 30,000 men, and intended attacking General Taylor the next 
day at Agua Nueva. Colonel May, knowing the importance of 
his detachment, which contained all the regular cavalry of the 
army, immediately left Hedionda, and rejoined the main column 
under General Taylor by daybreak, having made a march of sixty 
miles in twenty hours. Contrary to expectation, he did not 
encounter General Minon on the march. Instead of intersecting 
the San Luis road at Encantada, as May had expected, Minon 
continued on to San Antonio, and through the pass of Palomas, in 
the rear of Saltillo. 

Major McCulIough with his party had proceeded to Encar- 
nacion, and managed to gain a position where he could see the 
whole force of the enemy, which he estimated at upwards of 
twenty thousand, with a large proportion of artillery and cavalry. 
He returned by twelve o'clock on the 21st, and reported his 
observations to the commanding.general. 

The position of the camp at Agua Nueva, though a good one, 
and possessing many advantages, could easily be turned on either 
flank. Because of this, and the great disparity of tlie Mexican 
and American forces. General Taylor determined to fall back 
about twelve miles to a place of great natural strength called 
Angostura, near the hacienda of Buena Vista, and particularly 
suited to a small army resisting the advance of superior numbers.* 

"The road [from San Luis Potosi to Saltillo] at this point 

* General Taylor's Report. 



TAVLOU FALLS BACK TO BUKNA VISTA. 205 

becomes a luinow defile, the valley on its right bein<]^ rendered 
quite impracticable for artillery by a system of deep and impass- 
able gullies, while on the left a succession of rugged ridges and 
precipitous ravines extends far back toward the mountain which 
bounds the valley. The features of the ground were such as 
nearly to paralyze the artillery and cavalry of the enemy, while 
his infantry could not derive all the advantage of its numerical 
superiority." 

This place had been selected some time before by General 
Wool, and approved by General Taylor. Besides, the command- 
ing-general believed that by his falling back a day's march, Santa 
Anna would mistake the movement for a precipitate flight, and 
urge on his forces, already exhausted by a march of thirty-five 
miles from Encarnacion to Agua Nueva, over a barren desert that 
afforded neither water nor food of any kind ; and the Americans 
would thus be able to engage their enemy under all the disad- 
vantages of a forced march, want of food, and general disarray. 

On the 21st, at noon, General Taylor broke up his encamp- 
ment and fell back to Buena Vista, leaving Colonel Yell, with a 
part of the Arkansas mounted volunteers, to superintend the 
removal of the stores. The 1st Illinois regiment, under Colonel 
Hardin, was halted at Angostura, where General Taylor intended 
to give battle ; the main body, under General Wool, encamped a 
mile and a half in the rear ; so that, instead of passively awaiting 
the enemy, the troops might feel the moral effect of marching for- 
ward to meet him. General Taylor, with May's dragoons, two 
batteries of the .3d artillery, under Captains Sherman and Bragg, 
and the Mississippi rifles, under Colonel Davis, proceeded to Sal- 
tillo, to put it in a better state of defence, and prepare for the 
expected battle. 

Santa Anna left Encarnacion at noon on the 21st of February, 
after mass had been said in front of the several divisions. General 
Ampudia commanded the advance-guard of lour battalions of 



'200 nisTORY OK THK MEXICAN WAR. 

li'^lit iiifiuitry. A brigade of artillery of 16-pounders followed, 
willi a regiment of engineers and their train, and after them a 
park of the regiment of hussars. Next came the first division 
of heavy infantry, with five 12-pounders and their park, under 
General Lombardini. The second division, with eight 8-pounders 
and their j^ark, followed under General Pachecho ; then the divi- 
sions of cavalry under General Juvera. Lastly came the remain- 
der of the cannon, the general park and baggage, with a rear- 
guard consisting of a brigade of lancers, under General Andrade, 
making in the aggregate a force of upwards of twenty thousand 
men. 

About midnight on the 21st, Colonel Yell was reinforced by 
two companies of the 1st dragoons, and a part of the Kentucky 
mounted volunteers ; and immediately after their arrival, the 
Mexican light infantry, under Amjiudia, attacked Colonel Yell's 
advance piquet, stationed in the pass of Cornero, about five miles 
south of Agua Nueva. The whole train of wagons was now 
moved oflf with speed towards Buena Vista, while the troops 
remained to destroy the stores that had not yet been removed. 
In pursuance of an order, the buildings and some stacks of wheat 
were fired, and the flames filled the w^hole valley of the Encan- 
tada, and illumining the rugged mountain peaks, and flashing 
back from the glittering appointments of armed men and steeds, 
produced a picture wonderfully sublime, whose impression was 
heightened by the rumbling of the wagons in retreat, the random 
shots of the advanced parties, and the sounds of signal trumpets 
startling the midnight air. 

After destroying the stores that remained, the Americans 
returned to Ruena Vista, which they reached about day-break. 
In the mean time, Santa Anna had put his heavy forces in 
motion, and emerging at length from the mountain gorge, above 
Agua Nueva, was surprised to find the forces gone, which he 
had expected to surprise and cut up. Supposing the American 



PRKPARATIONS FOR BATTLE. 207 

army in full ri'treal, ;uiil Intercepted in the rear by Minon's 
brigade, lie liurried forward liis exhausted and nearly famished 
troops, after a meagre repast, and a single draught of water, 
cheering them with the assurance that they would soon enjoy 
abundance from the American sujiplies at Saltillo. 

In tlie morning of the 22d of February, a day hallowed to every 
American as the birthday of Washington, General Wool, in the 
absence of the commanding-general, who had not yet returned 
from Saltillo, ordered the troops under arras. The banners were 
unfurled to the breeze amid the inspiring strains of " Hail Colum- 
bia" from the bands, and the talismanic words " The memory of 
Washington," passed from corps to corps. 

The following was the disposition of the troops. Captain 
Washington, with his battery, was posted so as to command the 
road at Angostura, suj)ported by the 1st regiment of Illinois vo- 
lunteers, under Colonel Hardin, which partly occupied a ridge of 
land extending from Angostura to the plateau or high table-land, 
running back to the mountains. The 2d Illinois volunteers, and 
a company of Texans, commanded by Colonel Bissell, were on 
its left, and the 2d regiment of Kentucky volunteers occupied the 
crest of a ridge by the roadside. On the extreme left, and near 
the base of the mountains, was the Arkansas regiment of mounted 
volunteers, under Colonel Yell, and the Kentucky regiment, 
under Colonel Marshall. The Indiana volunteer brigade, under 
General Lane, composed of the 2d and 3d regiments, under 
Colonels Bowles and Lane, the 1st regiment of Mississippi rifle- 
men, under Colonel Davis, Colonel May's squadron of the 2d 
dragoons, Captain Steen's s(iuatlron of 1st dragoons, and the bat- 
teries of Sherman and Bragg, constituted the reserve, and were 
stationed on the ridges in the rear of the right of the plateau. 
Shortly after the troops were placed in position, General Taylor 
returned from Saltillo, and riding along the lines, was received 
with enthusiastic cheers. General Wool also roile along, and 



208 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

inspirited the troops, especially his own column, by brief, yet 
stirring remarks. 

In the mean time, a cloud of dust was seen rising over the dis- 
tant hills, and soon after the enemy's cavalry advance came 
thundering down the valley of Encantada, and, coming in sight 
of Washington's battery, sounded a halt with their bugles just out 
of cannon-range. The advanced squadrons now filed off towards 
the mountains on the American left, while others came up and 
formed, till nearly the whole space from the road to the mountains 
was covered by the serried legions, with all their blazonry of ban- 
ners and panoply of armour gleaming in the sun. 

While the engineers of both armies were busily employed in 
learning the disposition of the forces of their antagonist, and pro- 
viding for their own, a white flag advanced from the Mexican 
front, and its bearer presented the following letter : — 

" Camp at Encantada, ) 
February 22, 1847. J 
" God and Liberty ! 

<' You are surrounded by twenty thousand men, and cannot, in 
any human probability, avoid suffering a rout, and being cut to 
pieces with your troops ; but as you deserve consideration and 
particular esteem, I wish to save you from a catastrophe, and for 
that purpose give you this notice, in order that you may surrender 
at discretion, under the assurance that you will be treated with 
the consideration belonging to the Mexican character, to which 
end you will be granted an hour's time to make up your mind, 
to commence from the moment when my flag of truce arrives in 
your camp. 

" With this view, I assure you of my particular consideration. 

ANTONIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA. 
To General Z. Taylor, 

Commanding the forces of the U. S." 

To this summons General Taylor immediately despatched the 
following answer: — 









X 






./^l 



■'V 



,»-s' -J V. "^ ■ ■ ■ ' " ' ■ -I 






'7 










Sic r'^"- '■ 






n.VTTLK OK BUKNA VISTA. 209 

■ Mead-Qlauters, Ak.my ok Occupation, j 
Near Rviciia Vista, February 22, 1SI7. j 

"Sir: In r('j)ly to your note of this date, summoninp^ me to 
surrender my forces at discretion, I beg leave to say that I decline 
acceding to your reijuest. 

" With high respect, I am, sir, your obedient servant, 

Z. TAYLOR, 
Major- Gen. U. S. A. commanding. 
Senor Gen. D. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, 
Commander-in-chief. La Encantada.' 

Soon after this the whole Mexican army had come up, and was 
arranged as follows : — 

On the second ridge, in front of the American army, the enemy 
stationed the first and second divisions of infantry, one behind 
the other. On the right of this, upon a higher point, was sta- 
tioned a battery of 16-pounders, supported by the regiment of 
engineers. Upon their left, and near the road, were two other 
batteries of 12 and 8-pounders and a large howitzer. In rear of 
the two wings was the cavalry ; in rear of the centre was the 
head-quarters of Santa Anna, and the regiment of hussars, his 
body-guard. In the rear of all was the general park, protected 
by the brigade of General Andrade. 

The first movement of the enemy was an attempt to get pos- 
session of one or two gradual slopes of the mountain ujion the 
left of the plateau, occupied by the American reserve. To 
check this. Colonel Marshall was sent up the other slope with a 
battalion from the Indiana brigade under Major Gorman, and a 
portion of the Arkansas and Kentucky volunteers, dismounted. 
While these hostile bodies approached each other, both with the 
design of outflanking, General Taylor sent Captain Bragg's 
battery- and the 2d Kentucky regiment of volunteers under Colonel 
McKee, to occupy the slope of the eminence on the rii^lit of 
Washington's battery at Angostura, and a little in ad\ance of it, 



210 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

for tl)t> j)urpo.se of checking a demonstration made upon the 
enemy's left. Three pieces of artillery had also been detached 
by Captain Washington up to the left of the plateau and ])laced 
under Lieutenant O'Brien, who was supported by the 2d Indiana 
regiment. 

These dispositions being made, the Americans calmly awaited 
the attack of the enemy. 

The signal for the opening strife was given at three o'clock by a 
shell from the enemy's howitzer, and soon after the light 
division under Ampudia was hotly engaged with the American 
riflemen. The former fired with rapidity and in continuous 
vollies ; the latter with cool deliberation and terrible effect, while 
they sheltered themselves from the fire of the enemy behind the 
crest of the ridge, which they occupied. This and an occasional 
cannonade directed at our troops on the plateau, comprised the 
action of the 22d, which was suspended about dark by a signal 
shell thrown into the air by the enemy. The American loss was 
but four men wounded, while that of the enemy in killed and 
wounded was over three hundred ; * so deadly was the aim of 
the American rifle ! 

During the day, the 1st regiment of Illinois volunteers had 
formed a parapet along its front, and, directed by the engineers, 
had dug a ditch, and thrown up an epaulement with a traverse, 
before Washington's battery at Angostura, to occupy which 
Colonel Hardin detached a supporting force of two companies of 
his regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Weatherford. 

At sunset. General Taylor left General Wool in command of 
the forces, and proceeded to Saltillo, with May's dragoons and 
the Mississippi regiment, to complete arrangements for its defence, 
and prepare for the reception of his wounded after the main attack 
by Santa Anna, expected on the morrow. The defences were 
arranged as follows : Two companies of the 1st Illinois volunteers, 

* Santa Anna's account. 



BATTLE OF BUF.NA VISTA. 211 

under Captains Morgan and Prentiss, and two companies of the 
2d Illinois volunteers, under Captains Hacker and Wheeler, the 
whole comraandetl by Major Warren, occupied the town. The 
field-work commanding its approaches was garrisoned by Captain 
Webster's company, 1st artillery, with two 24-pouiHl liowitzers; 
while the train and head-quarters camp was defended by a 
6-poundcr from Bragg's battery under Lieutenant Shover, sup- 
ported by two companies of Mississippi riflemen under Captain 
Rogers. 

After the close of the battle, Santa Anna made a spirited 
address to his troops, which was received with enthusiastic cries, 
distinctly heard in the American lines. After this the band of 
the Mexican chief struck up, and strains of surpassing sweetness 
floated down the mountain sides, and died away in faint echoes 
along the narrow gorge. Silence and darkness now succeeded, 
and amid the gloom, the troops in general sank down to slumber 
on their arms, without covering and without fires, exposed to the 
chill night-winds and occasional gusts of rain ; but on the 
mountains, where the cold was extreme, the light troops of both 
armies gathered the trunks of dwarfish trees, and the stalks of 
shrubs, and kindled fires, around which they gathered in shivering 
groups during the night. 

29 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Action of the 23d — Commencement on the American left — Enemy's Columns of 
Attack — Advance of Lombardini's and Pachecho's Divisions — O'Brien, with his 
Artillery and 2d Indiana Regiment, ordered to repulse them — Retreat of the 2d 
Indiana Regiment — American Reserve ordered up — Second Column of Attack 
repulsed at Angostura — Troops on the Plateau reinforced by Artillery and Infan- 
try — Arrival of General Taylor on the Field — Confidence restored — The gallant 
Mississippi Regiment — The Enemy driven back on the American left — The con- 
test on the Plateau — Movement of the Cavalry on the Enemy's right checked — 
Batteries of Sherman and Bragg — Baggage-train threatened by Cavalry — Dan- 
gerous Position of the Enemy's Cavalry — Ease of Santa Anna — Mexican 
Reserve ordered up — Terrible Service of O'Brien's Artillery — Slaughter of the 
Illinois and Kentucky Regiments — Deaths of Colonels Hardin, McKce, and Clay 
— Washington's Battery — Gallantry of Lieutenant O'Brien — Repulse of Minon's 
Cavalry — Close of the Battle — American and Mexican Losses. 

At two o'clock on the morning of the 23d, the advanced pickets 
of the American army were driven in by those of Ampudia, 
whose light division was reinforced towards day-break by two 
thousand men from the divisions of Lombardini and Pachecho, 
with the view of gaining the American left and rear upon the 
mountains. Here the action commenced at dawn on the 23d, 
and was maintained with great spirit by Colonel Marshall's 
command, holding themselves under cover, and contending 
against nearly eight to one, until reinforced by Major Trail, 2d 
Illinois volunteers, with three companies of riflemen, including 
Captain Conner's Texas volunteers. About sunrise. Lieutenant 
O'Brien, who was stationed at the upper edge of the plateau 
with a 12-pound howitzer, and two guns — one a 6-pounder, the 
other a 4-pounder — came to their aid, and advancing his howitzer, 
threw with great accuracy and terrible eflect six or eight 
shells among the troops of Amj)udia, now pouring down the 

(213) 



BATTLK OF BUENA VISTA. 213 

slope of the mountain that intervened between them and the Ame- 
rican riflemen. The precision of the firing elicited the most 
enthusiastic cheering from the whole American line. 

By this time, tiie ciiief of Santa Anna's stalT, General Michel- 
torena, hail planted his battery of 8-poundors on the high ridge 
lying between the contending forces, and commenced a plunging 
fire on the plateau, which was more especially directed against 
O'Brien's pieces, but with little success, on account of the great 
distance intervening. For this reason O'Brien did not attempt 
to answer the fire of the enemy, as his guns were of lighter metal 
than the pieces of their battery. He remained silent, therefore, 
until subsequently ordered by General Lane to meet the advance 
of Pachecho's division. 

The enemy had now arranged three columns of attack. The 
first, to be led by General Mora y Villamil, and destined to force 
the pass of La Angostura, was composed of the 2d regiment of 
engineers, the 12th regiment, the Jigo de Mexico, and the batta- 
lions of Puebla and Tampico. 'I'he second column was com- 
posed of the divisions of Lombardini and Pachecho, The former 
division was to move across the ridge mentioned above, to the 
left of their 8-pounder battery, while the division of Pachecho 
advanced up the ravine in front of the plateau; and thus, both 
uniting near the mountain, together with their supporting forces 
of cavalry, turn the left of the American troops stationed on the 
plateau. The light troops, under Ampudia, were the third 
column of attack, and were to turn the extreme left on the 
mountains, and attack the American rear in conjunction with the 
second column, under Generals Lombardini and Pachecho. Be- 
sides these three columns, a reserve, under General Ortega, was 
stationed on the ground occujjied by the two lines of the enemy, 
when first displayed on coming in sight of the American army. 

While the third column was hotly engaged with the American 
riflfinen ujjon the moimtains, and the rattle of musketry and the 
rifle was intermingled with the roar of the 8-pounders directed 



814 HISTORY OF TIIK Mi:XICAN WAR. 

against the left of the plateau, Lombardini's division was moving 
along the ridge to unite with Pachecho, in view of the American 
army; his men in full uniform, his horses in gay caparison, their 
burnished weapons and appointments flashing in the sunlight, 
and every standard, colours, and guidon unfurled to the breeze. 

While this pageant was passing in review. Major Mansfield, of 
tlie engineers, about nine o'clock came with the intelligence that 
Pachecho's division, which had moved along screened from sight, 
was coming up the ravine with the evident design of gaining the 
plateau by way of the ridge adjoining the third principal gorge, 
which scalloped the plateau. At this time General Wool was 
at Angostura, having gone thither to give some directions about 
tlie defences in that quarter. General Lane, therefore, the next 
in command, ordered Lieutenant O'Brien, with his three pieces 
of artillery, and the 2d Indiana regiment, to take position just 
beyond the head of the third gorge, and repel the enemy. 

By the time the guns were in battery and the regiment dis- 
played, the Mexican infantry was ascending the ridge, and, form- 
ing in lines, opened upon it at a distance of two hundred yards. 
Their fire was returned immediately and effectively; and, simul- 
taneously with it, O'Brien's guns poured their deadly discharges 
upon the columns of the enemy. Though struggling against a 
superiority of ten to one in front, and enfiladed by a cross-fire of 
grape and canister from the 8-pounder battery on his left. Gene- 
ral Lane gallantly maintained the contest for twenty-five minutes ; 
during which he swept down whole platoons at a time, and re- 
peatedly broke the front lines of the enemy, which were as often 
re-formed. So murderous was the fire, that the corps of Guana- 
juato, which constituted the advance, was totally destroyed. 

With the view of getting out of range of the enemy's guns, 
and driving back Pachecho's troops into the ravine. General l.ane 
ordered O'Brien to advance about fifty yards to the front, which 
was immediately done, and his pieces served, as before, with 



mn^n^^^^l^ -^: f^'^^mp^^'^^'^ 







BATTLF, or BUENA VISTA. 215 

terrible cfTect. And lia:l he been promptly sustained by his sup- 
porting^ force, he would have defeated this division of the enemy, 
and driven it back into the ravine.* But, instead of moving up 
to his support, the 2(1 Indiana volunteers hesitated and staggered 
under the severe fire of the enemy, and then, breaking ofT by 
companies from the right, fled in utter confusion, leaving the 
gallant O'Brien to bear the contest alone. Exertions were made 
to rally them, by General Lane and his staff, but without effect; 
and in the effort, the brave Captain Lincoln lost his life. A few 
of them joined the Mississippi regiment, and did good service 
during (he day; some retired to Buena Vista, and others to Sal- 
tillo, where they assistetl in defending the depot. It may at 
least be mentioned to their credit, that before flying, they had 
fired twenty rounds of cartridge at the enemy. In the flight, 
four companies of the Arkansas volunteers, which had been dis- 
mounted and ordered into action, participated, having delivered but 
a single fire after coming into action. By the giving way of the 
2d Indiana regiment, the riflemen, under Colonel Marshall, were 
cut off'from the centre, and, unable to withstand the overwhelming 
force of the enemy on this flank, retreated in good order, in the 
diref;tion of Buena Vista. They w'ere pursued by the Mexican 
cavalry and a part of the light forces under Ampudia. This 
force was held in check for a time by the spirited conduct of the 
Arkansas and Kentucky cavalry, under Colonels Yell and Mar- 
shall. 

Left without support, and exposed to a continuous sheet of fire, 
O'Brien and his brave artillerists struggled for a time against the 
fearful odds; and before their pieces, charged with double canis- 
ter, the enemy fell in scores, like grass before the scythe. But, 
overpowered by numbers, he was compelled at length to limber 
up and fall back, yielding the 4-pounder to the enemy, after 
every horse and man that belonged to it had been killed or dis- 

• Mexican Eiigineer'a Report. 



216 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

abled. Pacheclio immediately advanced, with his cavalry on the 
right of his infantry, and, united with Lombardini's forces, now 
emerging from the ravine. The entire column, moving across 
the plateau, concentrated its fire upon the 2d Illinois, under 
Colonel Bissell, the squadron of 1st dragoons, under Captain 
Steen, and the first section of Sherman's battery, under Lieute- 
nants Thomas and French; all of which had been ordered to ad- 
vance just before the 2d Indiana regiment gave way. The service 
of the artillery was terrible, and cut avenues through the dense 
masses, while the storm of musketry strewed the ground with 
the dead and dying of the enemy. The cavalry, unable to 
attempt anything by charging into the overwhelming masses, fell 
back to the ravine in the rear. The enemy continued to advance 
in the teeth of the deadly engines, and their right to pass around 
the American left; and shortly after, the Illinois troops and the 
battery were assailed in front and rear, and upon each flank. 
The iron storm was resistless ; and before its fury, the Americans 
faltered and fell back. But the pieces were soon in battery 
again, supported by the Illinoians, and the enemy's flank severely 
galled as he passed to the left of the plateau to gain the rear. 

At this time the heavy first column of attack, under General 
Mora y Villamil, came within range of the guns at Angostura, 
when Washington's pieces opened upon it with signal effect. 
Nothing could stand up against the storm that assailed it. The 
enemy soon wavered, and was thrown into confusion, and sought 
shelter in the third gorge of the plateau and in the great ravine 
beyond, nor renewed the attack in that direction. 

About this time Captain Sherman gained the plateau with the 
second section of his battery, and, on reaching the head of the 
first gorge, opened fire upon the enemy. 

The 2d Kentucky volunteers, under Colonel McKee and Cap- 
tain Bragg, with two pieces of his battery, soon after arrived 
from their position beyond Washington's battery, at Angostura. 



BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 217 

A line of artillery was now formetl Aoin the head of the gorge 
to the ravine, which was soon driving its masses of iron and lead 
into the Mexican ranks. The 1st Illinois regiment, under the 
gallant Colonel Hardin, now came up from Angostura, after the 
repulse of Villamil, and with the squadron of 1st dragoons, the 2d 
Illinois and the 2d Kentucky regiment, constituted the support- 
ing force of the artillery, and poured its leaden hail upon the 
serried masses of the enemy. 

When these reverses had taken place, and while the fate of 
the battle seemed decided — the American left forced — the enemy 
almost in entire possession of the plateau — and the Americans 
despairing of the issue — General Taylor arrived upon the field 
from Saltillo, and restored confidence. He was accompanied by 
May's dragoons, the Mississippi riflemen, under Colonel Jeffer- 
son Davis, Captain Pike's squadron of Arkansas horse, and a 
piece of artillery, under Lieutenant Kilburn. After some orders 
relative to the battle, General Taylor immediately attempted 
restoring the American left, and bringing into action again the 
2d Indiana fugitives. 

The Mississippians under the gallant Colonel Davis were im- 
mediately led into action, while General Wool himself started to 
bring up to their support the third Indiana regiment stationed 
upon the left and in the rear of Washington's battery, at Angos- 
tura. Near the head of a small ravine whith intersects the third 
large ravine in rear of the plateau. Colonel Davis intercepted the 
pursuing forces of Ampudia. A tremendous fire smote the head 
of the enemy's column, yet he still passed on over dead and dy- 
ing — successive discharges checked his advance and caused his 
fire to slacken — when the Mississippians, with a loud hurrah, 
rushed on the enemy, passed the ravine, and clambering up 
the bank, after a murderous fire drove back his routed ranks 
upon the reserves. This accomplished, they made a dash at the 
enemy's cavalry on the flank, and after a few Aolleys, turned it 



218 HISTORY OF TIIK MEXICAN WAR. 

back to join tlic infantry. Soon after the 3d Indiana volunteers 
and Lieutenant Kilburn's piece of artillery arrived, and the united 
force compelled the enemy to fall back still farther. 

While these things were going on upon the American left, the 
battle was still raging upon the plateau, where the advantage was 
rather in our favour, when Santa Anna brought upon the plateau 
with a heavy battery the battalion of San Patricio, consisting of 
Irish renegades who had basely deserted the American colours 
which they had sworn to support. The fire of this battery enfi- 
laded the plateau, and was effective, but the American batteries 
still kept ihc advantage, and at length broke the attacking col- 
umn. A part moved off" in a direction to reinforce Ampudia, 
while the other, under Santa Anna, fell back to take shelter in the 
ravine. Perceiving this, the forces under Hardin, Bissell, and 
McKee, pressed on and drove back the enemy precipitately. 
After this advantage Captains Sherman and Bragg were des- 
patched, with two pieces each, to sustain the American left, where 
the strife was obstinate and sanguinary. The plateau was still 
defended by four pieces — two under the intrepid O'Brien, and 
two under Lieutenants Thomas and Garnet. 

In the mean time, upon the enemy's extreme right, beyond 
Ampudia's forces and along the base of the mountains, cavalry 
was moving down towards Buena Vista, whose advance was im- 
peded by the mounfed volunteers, under Colonels Yell and Mar- 
shall. To reinforce this small body of troops, General Taylor 
despatched Colonel May with the regular cavalry, and Captains 
Preston and Pike's mounted volunteers. The united force im- 
mediately stopped the progress of the enemy's cavalry, and 
caused it to return along the base of the mountain, where the fire 
from the detachments of the batteries of Sherman and Bragg was 
concentrated upon it with decisive effect. 

Soon after, a powerful brigade of cavalry, principally lancers, 
under General Torrejon, had crossed the ravines in the rear, and 



BATTLK OF BUKNA VISTA. 21!) 

Uireatened a (lescenl upon the baggage-tiaiii jiarke;! near Bucna 
Vista. 'I'licy charged in columns of squadrons the Arkansas and 
Kentucky volunteers, wiio gallantly received tiiein, and maintain- 
ing the contest with great spirit, repulsed them with the aid of par- 
ties of troops in that vicinity, that had lied in the morning. Colonel 
May with the dragoons and other cavalry, and Lieutenant Jveyiiolds 
with two pieces of artillery, iiad been ordered to their sujiport. 
The former came up too late to participate in the fight ; the other 
wheeletl his section into battery, and played upon the retreating 
columns of cavalry with precision and effect. In this charge of 
cavalry, the gallant Colonel Yell fell at the head of his regiment, 
and by his side the brave Captain Porter, with many of their 
men. 

After this failure, a fresh brigade of cavalry with supporting 
infantry, the chivalry of the Mexican army, attempted to drive 
the Mississippi regiment and 3d Luliana volunteers, and thus 
force a passage to the road nearer the plateau. On they came at 
a gallop, in close columns of squadrons, their flags and pennons 
flying, and their lance-points flickering in the sun, while the 
Mississippi regiment was in line to receive them, and the Indiana 
troops in like manner, with their left resting on the right of Colonel 
Davis's regiment, the two lines forming an obtuse re-entrant angle 
to receive the enemy. A howitzer from Sherman's battery was 
on the left. Arrived within eighty yards, the brigade received a 
murderous fire from the faces of the angle, which struck down 
the front ranks of the column. The deadly discharges of musketry 
and the rifles rapidly delivered, increased the confusion of the 
enemy, while the howitzer of Sherman, charged with canister 
and grape, strewed the earth with the dead and wounded. The 
iron tempest poured upon him was resistless, and the dismayed 
enemy turned and fled for shelter to the mountains. 

Following up this advantage. General Taylor sent Lieutenant- 
Colonel May, with the troops lately returned from the engagement 
30 



220 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

at the hacienda, to (hive in the enemy's riglit along the base of 
the mountains. As tlie cavahy under May forced the troops to 
fall back, Lieutenant Reynolds with his two pieces kept following 
on, and poured destruction upon their ranks. Bragg also advanced 
upon them with his three pieces of artillery, and Sherman with 
his howitzer, supported by the Mississippi and Indiana regiments. 
As the enemy continued to retreat along the base of the nu)untains. 
he came at length within range of the guns upon the plateau, 
which prevented further retreat. Hemmed in now upon all sides. 
and exposed to the fire of nine pieces of artillery, whose shot and 
shells went crashing through their crowded masses — .Reynolds's 
pieces on their right, Sherman's and Bragg's in front, and the 
pieces of O'Brien and Thomas on the plateau upon their left — 
their destruction seemed inevitable, when they were relieved from 
their dangerous position by a dishonourable ruse of Santa Anna. 
That treacherous chief sent a white flag to General Taylor, desir- 
ivg to know what he wanted^ and during the suspension of the 
fire ordered upon the advance of the flag, the enemy's forces 
which were so sorely pressed, amounting to five or six thousand, 
cavalry and infantry— escaped from their perilous situation. On 
arriving, however, near the head of the plateau, a heavy fire 
from O'Brien's and Thomas's pieces, w'hich were advanced to 
meet them, and from the Illinois and Kentucky troops, that had 
also moved up, caused great destruction to their confused 
ranks. 

But while thus engaged, the Mexican reserve, composed of the 
best troops, with the veteran regiments in front, was entering the 
plateau at the head of the third gorge. The retreating party 
joined the reserve, making the column about twelve thousand. 
Before this irresistible force, the Kentucky and Illinois troops 
were compelled to retire and seek cover in the second gorge. 
O'Brien in the mean time served his pieces, charged with canister, 
with terrible effect ; but the enemy still pressed on, until tliey 




'I t^ u i I I iL il !■, ^j KY CIj A'l. J K 



BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 221 

reached the hcatl of thi- sceonil gorge. The one half eoiitinued 
to move across tlie phituau, resisted only by U'Hrien's guns ; 
wiiiU' the other half occupied each side of the gorge, antl marched 
down upon the American troops there crowded together, and 
scarcely able to stand on account of the inclined position which 
tliey occupied. The slaughter was great, and the Americans 
pressed down tlie gorge, to escape by its mouth to the road, while 
the whole line of their retreat was strewed with the dead and 
dying. 

On reaching the opening of the gorge, they found a large body 
of cavalry just closing up the door of escape. Some endeavoured 
to force their way througli, but sank beneath the lance-points of 
the enemy ; while the work of destruction went rapidly on among 
the densely-crowded masses in the ravine. In this fearful 
moment was heard the thunder of Washington's battery, and 
spherical case-shot falling amid the enemy's cavalry, exploded 
with signal effect, causing confusion, dismay, and rout — and 
upon their rapid retreat, the remnants of the Illinois and Kentucky 
regiments escaped to the road, leaving hundreds of their brave 
companions behind them in death — among them the gallant 
Colonels Hardin and AIcKee, and Lieutenant-Colonel Clay. 

After the escape of the enemy's right, consequent on Santa 
Anna's stratagem. General Taylor ordered the troops from the 
American left to the plateau, where he expected a strong demon- 
stration. While these were coming up, the American infantry had 
been driven, as related, by a part of the Mexican reserve, and 
O'Brien and Thomas, with their artillery, were endeavouring to 
hold in check the other portion, which kept steadily advancing. 
At every discharge avenues were made through the enemy's col- 
umn, but the men soon closed up, and moved firmly on, while they 
assailed the battery with a steady fire. Nearly all his horses 
and cannoneers were killed and wounded, as O'Brien sawBragg's 
battery coming into action, and Davis and Lane, with their brave 



222 IIISTOIIY OK THr, MFA'ICAN wau. 

troops, ascendin:^ the i)Iateau. The enemy by this time was 
quite upon him, — he fr^ve a final and murderous fire, and, with 
the few crippled companions that remained, fell back from the 
contest. The guns thus obtained by the enemy for want of 
horses to bring them away, were subsequently recaptured by 
Captain Drum, 4th artillery, at Churubusco. 

Bragg's battery now opened upon the enemy, with terrible 
fury; Sherman's battery soon united its fire, and the Mississippi 
riflemen and Indiana volunteers poured a severe enfilading fire 
upon his flank. Still raged the iron tempest, and still, as the 
front ranks of the enemy fell, others succeeded to their places, 
who in their turn were shot down. To advance against such a 
storm was impossible — the enemy at length began to falter — con- 
fusion spread through their ranks, and they retreated to the great 
ravine, leaving the ground covered with the dead and dying, in 
fearful eviilence of the severity of the contest. 

It was now about five o'clock, and the batteries moved up a 
few hundred yards, and opened a destructive fire upon the 
battalion of San Patricio, supported by the Mississippi regiment 
and other troops, while General Taylor despatched the cavalry 
under Lieutenant-Colonel May to the left, to guard against any 
attempt again to turn our flank in that direction. 

General Minon with his cavalry had advanced against Saltillo 
during the day, but was received by a heavy fire from the redoubt 
occupied by Captain Webster's company, which caused him to 
move off with rapidity. Towards the close of day he renewed 
the attempt, when, galled by a severe fire from two pieces of 
artillery, under Captain Shover and Lieutenant Donaldson, and a 
mixed command of volunteers, he hastily fled up the base of the 
mountains to his encampment. 

As the sun set, the firing on both sides slackened, and 
at length ceased, and darkness and comparative silence settled 
down upon the two armies. Expecting a renewal of the attack, 



BATTLK OK BUKNA VISTA. 223 

General Taylor made due preparations for the next day, but 
when tl)e niorninn^ dawned, the dense masses of the enemy 
were nowliere to be seen, and shouts of victory went up from 
the American host that shook the very hills around. The 
Mexicans had fallen back upon Agua Nueva, and subsequently 
retreated to Encarnacion, strewing the desert between with tiie 
dead bodies of men and horses, who had perished for lack of 
food. Indeed the great physical exertions, and, in a measure, the 
success of the Americans, may be attributed to the fact that 
during the pauses in the fight they were regularly refreshed, 
while the enemy passed three days with no more than a single 
meal. 

The battle of Buena Vista may be considered the crowning 
glory of the brave old chief, who had already covered himself 
wilii imperishable renown upon the fields of Palo Alto and 
Resaca de la Palma, and at the heights of iMonterey. The 
exultation of victory, however, was saddened by the loss of the 
many valorous spirits, who had gone down amid the storm of 
battle, in the vigour of manhood or the full honours of years. The 
American loss in killed, wounded, and missing, was seven 
hundred and forty-six ; that of the Mexicans upwards of two 
thousand. 

The battle of Buena Vista left General Taylor in undisputed 
possession of the whole line of the Sierra Madre. Nothing was 
afterwards attempted by the enemy in that quarter, beyond the 
depredations of small parties of guerillas. For the purpose of 
strengthening General Scott's line, furtlier drafts were made the 
following August upon his forces, whicli had been considerably 
increased. Having made pro{)er disposition of the remaining 
portions for the maintenance of his own line. General Taylor 
obtained leave of absence in November, and returned home, hav- 
ing left General Wool in command of all the forces. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Conquest of New Mexico. — Recognition of the War, and Disposition of the 
Forces — General Kearny — Arrnyof tiie West — Instructions from the War Depart- 
ment — March from Fort Leavenworth — Arrival at Council Grove — The Prairies 
— Bent's Fort — Proclamation by Colonel Kearny — March resumed — Las Vegas 
— Expected Battle — Tacoletu — Pecos — The Caiion — Capture of Santa Fe — 
Appointment of OflRccrs — Departure of General Kearny for California. — Con- 
quest OF California. — Commodore Stockton — Colonel Fremont — Kit Carson 
— Counter-revolution — Battle of San Pasqual — San Bernardo — Battle of the 
.San Gabriel — Reoccupation of Los Angelos — Return of General Kearny. 

Thk story of the recent conquest of New Mexico and Cali- 
fornia is one of rare and romantic interest. Yielding the pre- 
-eminence in brilliancy of achievement and blood-bought triumph 
to the operations in southern and central Mexico, it takes no 
second place in the importance of its results, while it asserts for 
the force employed, skill, valour, devotion, and endurance, unsur- 
passed in military annals, and has crowned our arms with the 
truest and most abiding fame. 

On recognition of war between the United States and Mexico, 
the American land forces designed to operate against the latter 
formed three divisions, with distinct points of attack. The 
" Army of Occupation," under Major-General Taylor, was 
instructed to move forward from its position on the Rio Grande, 
and subjugate and hold Coahuila, New Leon, and Tamaulipas. 
Brigadier-General Wool, with the "Army of the Centre," was 
to rendezvous at San Antonio de Bexar, and move on the city 
and .state of Chihuahua ; while at Fort Leavenworth, on the 
Missouri, was concentrated the '< Army of the West" under 
Colonel Kearny, of the 1st regiment United States dragoons. His 
primary instructions were to march upon Santa F<5, the capital 

(224) 



AKIMY OK TIIF. WKST. 225 

of New Mexico, aiul eflect the conquest ami occujiation of that 
state or department, but they were subsequently enlarged so as 
to embrace the conquest of California. 

Mounted troops were considered best for the expedition ; and 
agreeably to the requisition of Governor Edwards of Missouri, 
companies began to arrive at Fort Leavenworth in (he early part 
of June, 1846. They were immediately mustered into service, 
and instructed and drilled in military exercises. Horses, mules, 
wagons, ordnance, subsistence — all the necessary materiel for an 
invading army were collected with prudent haste, and before the 
end of June, the expedition, fully organized, was on its route 
for Mexico. 

The little army under Colonel Kearny numbered 1658 men, 
with sixteen pieces of ordnance, twelve 6-jiounders, and four 12- 
pound howitzers. It consisted of the following corps : — Five 
companies 1st regiment United States dragoons, under Major 
Sumner, three hundred men, and the only regulars in the army; 
Captain Hudson's company of St. Louis dragoons, the "Laclede 
Rangers," one hundred and seven men ; two companies of flying 
artillery, under Captains Fischer and Weightman, two hundred 
and fifty strong, with Major Clark as field-officer; a battalion of 
infantry, numbering one hundred and forty-five men, under Cap- 
tains Angney and Murphy ; with eight companies, composing the 
1st regiment of Missouri mounted volunteers, eight hundred and 
fifty-six men, with the following field-officers — William Cilpin, 
Major; C. F. RufT, Lieutenant-Colonel; Alexander W. Doniphan, 
Colonel, and second in rank to the commander of the whole 
column. A gallant band of field and topographical engineers 
accompanied the expedition, consisting of Lieutenants Emory, 
Warner, Abert, and Peck. They received their orders at the 
seat of government, on the 5th of June, and within twenty-four 
hours thereafter were on their way, and having expeditiously 
completed their equij)nient at St. Louis, reported to Colonel 



22(J HISTORY OF TIIK MKXICAN WAR. 

Kearny at Fort Leavenwortli, In tliiu! to take their line of march 
across the prairies ahead of the main column. 

A short time previous to his departure, Colonel Kearny received 
a communication from the Secretary of War, covering additional 
instructions and extended command. After the conquest and 
occupancy of Santa Fc, he was to press forward to California, 
and co-operate with the fleet there in conquering and holding that 
province. Besides one thousand men added to his column, he 
was empowered to call for additional troops, and was directed to 
secure the aid of a large body of Mormon emigrants, en route 
for that distant region. His orders in relation to the route, and 
many other things appertaining to the expedition, were discretion- 
ary, and he was informed that the rank of Brigadier-General 
would be conferred on him as soon as his movement to Cali- 
fornia should be commenced. 

In the last days of June, the army, broken into divisions, and 
preceded or accompanied by long trains of baggage and provi- 
sion wagons, set forth on its toilsome westward march. Health, 
hopeful impatience, confidence in their chief and in each other, 
gave nerve to every limb, and to every bosom soldierly pride. 
For some days their wholly pathless route lay over elevated and 
rolling plains, covered with tall luxuriant grass and matted vines, 
and traversed by many deep ravines and steep-banked streams, 
the tributaries of the Kansas, or " Kaw," and its sovereign, the 
Missouri. The country, rich in picturesque beauty and fertility, 
presented the general appearance of " vast, rolling fields, enclosed 
with colossal hedges." The army, on the 1st of July, struck 
upon the great Santa Fd road. The earliest rays of the morrow's 
sun glanced brightly back from the long lines of polished arms 
and streaming banners that already moved across the broad, level 
plain, or rose over the gently-heaving hills, which here and there 
diversified the boundless sea of green. Out upon the silence of 
the mighty solitudes, with nougiit but plain and sky on every 



kkauny's march. 227 

side, burst forth the mirthrul shout and spirit-stirring strains of 
martial hymns, on Independence Day. The afternoon of the 5th 
brou-lit the advanced battalion of the array to the well-known 
Council Grove, the general rendezvous for union, rest, and repair, 
of all caravans and hunting companies, and prized deservedly 
for its hospitable pasturage and shade, its copious springs of most 
delicious water, and its abundance of serviceable timber of 
various kinds. Here, at a distance of about one hundred and 
fifty miles from the western borders of Missouri, runs the line 
that limits the eastward roamings of the savage tribes of Paw- 
nees, Osages, and Sioux. The intermediate country is in the 
hands of Indians who own allegiance to, and receive stipends 
from, the United States ; and who, having abandoned nomadic 
life, dwelling in log-houses, rearing cattle, cultivating the soil, 
and pursuing some of the other arts of peace, " form the con- 
necting link between the savage of the plains and the white man 
of the States." Pawnee Fork was reached on the 14th ; and here 
Colonel Kearny, with the rear division, overtook the advance, 
and formed a junction of forces with Colonel Doniphan. The 
waters of this creek, swollen by recent rains, were so high as to 
be then impassable; "the trees along the sides of the banks 
were half hidden ; the whirling eddies were rushing along with 
great velocity ; the willows that grew on the bank were waving 
under the strong pressure of the water, and brush and large logs 
were hurriedly borne along on the turbid bosom of the stream." 
Having encamped beside the river, whose angry condition is thus 
described by Lieutenant Abert, the men were promptly set to 
work on the construction of a raft. The energy of the com- 
mander was rivalled by the cheerful labours of his soldiers, and 
a wild excitement marked their struggles with, and triumi)h over, 
the fiercely rapid current that presumed to obstruct their onward 
way. In the forenoon of the IGtli, immense toil and resolution 
had accomplished the passage across, and on the 17th, the whole 
31 



228 HISTORY OK Tin: mkxican war. 

column was a<;aiii in motion, the Arkansas river route having 
been chosen as the most practicable. Here commenced that por- 
tion of the prairies that may Justly be considered as the outskirt 
of the Great Desert. A scanty vegetation sprang from the soil of 
these plains of granite santl, over which the eye wanders in search 
of trees, but wanders in vain. In all directions lay the short, 
curly buflalo-grass, with thistles and endless varieties of cactus. 
Wild horses, large and well-proportioned, stood in groups watch- 
ing the approach of the troops, then dashed ofl" into their native 
wilds in wonder and alarm. The ground was darkened and the 
horizon lined with herds of butfaloes ; and in close proximity to 
these prowled gray wolves, eagerly watching the opportunity of 
prey. Along the margin of tlie Arkansas, a strip of luxuriant 
bottom-land afforded suitable places for encampment, and here 
occasionally scattered clumps of the cotton-wood extended an 
irresistible invitation to the wearied and sunburnt soldier, after his 
march over the sandy plains, whose monotony was sometimes 
relieved by tlie villages of prairie dogs tliat dotted the solitudes. 
BoK de vache and wild sage was the only fuel to be procured. 
Sickness assailed the troops. On the 20th, the severe illness of 
Colonel Kearny caused general anxiety, while the doctors' lists 
exceeded one hundred men. The anxiety respecting the leader 
of the column was, however, quickly relieved, nor was the sick- 
ness generally, though extremely harassing and debilitating, 
attended with fatal results. By tlie 24th, many of the gallant 
steeds tliat had thus far borne their owners over the wilderness of 
the strange land, failed, and were reluctantly abandoned on the 
prairie. Still with unabated vigour was the march continued, 
while the sun came hotly and witheringly down upon arid plains, 
that marked further entrance on the desert, and the bullhlo 
ceased by his presence to give somewhat of life and interest to 
the scene. On the 28th, the troops first caught glimpses of the 
enemy's countr\ , and every heart beat responsive to tlie challenge 



BINT s ruuT. 229 

of the clarion, rin«;iiit;" out its joyous iuliinatiou tliat the struggle 
was now at hand. Crossing the Arkansas on tlie 29th, the array 
encainpcd on (he Mexican territory, on a spot chosen for the con- 
venience of grazing, about nine miles below Bent's Fort, a small 
post on the north bank of the Arkansas, in longitude 103° 25/ 
45" west, and latitude 38° 2' 53" north. Thither large stores of 
supply had previously been forwarded ; — here was the appointed 
general rendezvous, and here, on the appointed day, August the 
1st, with admirable precision, was concentrated the whole force, 
regular and volunteer, having accomplished a journey of about 
six hundred miles. 

To recruit his men, after the fatigues and distresses of their 
long march, as well as to make necessary provision for onward 
progress. Colonel Kearny detained the army three days in their 
regular and strictly-guarded encampment. During these days 
intelligence of various kinds was brought in. Three Mexicans, 
having upon their persons blank letters addressed to the American 
commander, for the supposed purpose of diverting suspicion of 
their character as spies, were apprehended, and by the colonel's 
command so conducted through the camp, as to leave upon their 
minds the liveliest impressions of the strength of the army ; then 
allowed to retire in peace — their known propensity to exaggerate 
being relied on, to give a sulhciently satisfactory account of what 
they had seen to the people and the governor of New Mexico. 
Rumour contradicted rumour as to the resolves and proceedings 
of the latter. By some it was announced that our forces would 
meet with no opposition ; by others, that Governor Armijo was at 
the head of a formidable army, that Santa Fe and Taos were 
being strongly fortified, and that everywhere throughout New 
Mexico there would be resistance to the death. Lieutenant De 
Courcy was, with twenty men, orrlered to proceed directly through 
the mountain passes to the valley of the Taos, to ascertain the 
feelings and disposition of ilie people ; and on the same day, 



230 JiisTOiiY OF Tin: mkxican war. 

July 31st, was issued the following proclamation, bearing date as 
above, at the camp at Bent's Fort : — 

" The undersigned enters New Mexico with a large military 
force, for the purpose of seeking union with, and ameliorating 
the condition of its inhabitants. This he does under instructions 
from his government, and with the assurance that he will be 
amply sustained in the accomplishment of this object. It is 
enjoined on the citizens of New Mexico to remain quietly at 
their homes, and to pursue their peaceful avocations. So long 
as they continue in such pursuits, tlicy will not be interfered with 
by the American army, but will be respected and protected in 
their rights, both civil and religious. All who take up arms or 
encourage resistance against the government of the United States 
will be regarded as enemies, and will be treated accordingly. 

S. W. KEARNY, 
Colonel \st Dragoons.'''' 

From the Fort, on the 2d of August, an American flag threw 
out its wide folds to the breeze from the desert, in salutation to 
the Army of the West, again en route for Santa Fe. The ordnance 
train had not arrived, neither had the new levies ordered in 
Missouri ; but the colonel desired, by the celerity of his move- 
ments, to embarrass and frustrate any attempts at combined 
resistance by the enemy. For several days the road lay across 
the Great American Desert, and men and animals suffered much, 
the horses, especially, falling off' in an alarming manner. This 
arid waste being left behind, they ascended the Raton or Mouse, 
a chain of ragged mountains that separates the waters of the 
Arkansas from those of the Canadian. The ascent of the pass was 
arduous; but the views from the summit, seven thousand five 
hundred feet above the level of the sea, were inexpressibly beauti- 
ful and sublime. To the north-west rose Pike's Peak ; to the 
south and south-west, the Wattahyah, or Twin Hills, and the 



MARCH RESUMKD. 231 

spurs that run southward from the Wattahyah ; to the east towered 
up the sin<j:uh\rly forined summits of tlie Raton, presenting the 
appearance of a succession of castles, with time-worn and storm- 
stained battlements, now glistenino; in the sunshine, now seeming 
to frown upon the small adventurous host that threaded upward 
the defile. 

The descent was found more rajiid, and much more difficult 
than the ascent, the road passing over many sharp spurs formed 
by the channel of the mountain stream, resolutely working its 
way to the Canadian ; on the main branch of which latter river, 
a day's halt, with abundant supplies of water, wood, and grass, 
was gladly enjoyed after the fatigues of crossing the mountains. 
Here commenced a hardship incidental to such expeditions, but 
infinitely more harassing and annoying to the volunteer just fresh 
from the abundance and comforts of home, than any toil of the 
road, or any effort of Mexican military skill and prowess. The 
army was put on half rations, and so continued, until their arrival 
in Santa F6. But after a few good-humoured benedictions on 
the provoking cont)'e-temps, the men calmly accommodated them- 
selves to the sacrifice, and even merrily discussed the diminished 
fare. 

Spies were daily captured, but upon the information elicited 
from them, little reliance could be placed. On the 10th, Mr. 
Towle, an American citizen, came into camp, reporting himself 
just escaped from Taos, and stating that on the previous day 
had been received there the proclamation of Governor Armijo, 
calling all the citizens to arms, and placing the whole country 
under martial law; that Armijo had assembled the Pueblo Indians, 
numbcrincT about two thousand, and all the citizens capable of 
bearing arms ; that on the day this proclamation was issued, three 
hundred Mexican dragoons had arrived in Santa F<5, and that 
twelve hundred more were hourly expected ; that the Mexicans 
were every man eager for a fight, but the Indians generally not 



232 HISTORY OF TIIK MKXICAN WAR. 

SO bellicose. Kacli day now broii<^ht its quota of increasing inter- 
est. On the persons of several Mexicans captured on the 11th, 
were found copies of the proclamation of the Prefect of Taos, 
based on tliat of Armijo, summoning the people to arms to repel 
the American invaders, who were coming to "destroy their 
property and liberties," and ordering an enrolment of all citizens 
between the ages of fifteen and fifty. The 13th brought tlie 
advance of the column to the valley of the Moro creek, and the 
first settlements they had seen in their march of seven hundred 
and eighty miles. Bent's spy company brought in an ensign and 
three privates, sent forward by the enemy to reconnoitre. From 
them it was learned that the Mexicans were assembling in force 
to do battle at Las Vegas. And at the halting-place this evening 
a Mr. Spry came into camp, on foot, and nearly destitute of 
clothing, having been furtively despatched from Santa F^ on the 
previous night, to communicate to Colonel Kearny the stirring 
intelligence, that Armijo was energetically assembling his forces 
in preparation for a vigorous resistance, and that the Caiion, a 
well-known pass or defile, narrow, and easily defended, was now 
being fortified, that from this vantage-ground, and with over- 
whelming numbers, the further progress of our army might be 
disputed and stayed. 

Early in the march of the 14th a lieutenant, accompanied by 
a sergeant and two privates, of Mexican lancers, all respectably 
clad and accoutred, but miserably mounted, presented themselves. 
The officer proved to be the bearer from Governor Armijo of a 
letter, which, says Lieutenant Emory, was a sensible, straight- 
forward missive, and if written by an American or Englishman, 
would have meant this: — "You have notified me that you intend 
to take possession of the country I govern. The people of the 
country have risen en masse in my defence. If you take the 
country, it will be because you prove the strongest in battle. I 
suggest to you to stop at the Sapillo, and I will march to the 



F.XPKCXr.D BATTLK. 233 

Vfoas. We will meet and no![!^otiiite on llic ])lains between them." 
After a delay of some iiours, duiiiifj^ which the artillery was 
passed over the Sa{)illo, ami the troops brought within sight of 
Las Vegas, a village on the creek of the saiiie name, the messen- 
ger and his escort were dismissed with a verbal reply from Colonel 
Kearny, " Say to General Armijo, that I shall meet him soon, and 
I hope it will be as friends." This day the face of the country 
had begun greatly to improve, indications of culture and comfort 
presented themselves, herds and flocks dotted the valleys, the 
stately pine and cedar adorned the hills, and gardens and waving 
corn for the first time greeted the soldiers' weary eyes. The 
village, at a short distance, looked like an extensive brick-kiln. 
On nearer approach, its outline presented a square with some 
arrangements for defence, within which the inhabitants are, not 
unfrequently, compelled to retreat with all their stock, for pro- 
tection against the attacks of the predatory Eutaws and Navajoes. 
In sight of the little town, and away for a mile down the valley 
of the beautiful creek, extended the American camp. On one 
side rushed the clear mountain stream, on the other, unprotected 
by any interposing hedge or fence, lay the broad fields of luxuriant 
grain, irrigated from the creek by numerous artificial canals. 
The sweet water was free, but a closely-posted chain of sentinels 
strictly guarded those tempting fields from intrusion or injury by 
the hungry animals, and the men with jealous honour obeyed 
the orders given to respect the persons, properties, and feelings 
of the inhabitants. 

At midnight, news was brought that the enemy was in con- 
siderable force in one of the formidable gorges of the mountain, 
distant two miles from the camp, and that here battle would be 
given. P^y seven in the morning of the 15th, the troops were 
in motion ; and, as they neared the town, they were overtaken by 
Major Swords, from Fort Leavenworth, with Captain Weightraan 
and Lieutenant Gilmer, who, hearing there was to be a fight, had 



234 HISTORY OK TIIK MKXICAN WAR. 

ridden sixty miles during the night to be in for tlie fray. Major 
Swords was bearer to Colonel Kearny of his commission as 
Brigadier-General of the army of the United States. 

A halt was called close to the village, while the general 
addressed, from the broad roof of one of the low adobe houses in 
the public square, the alcalde and people. He came, he said, 
by orders of his government, to take possession of the country, 
and extend over it the laws of the United States, They came 
amongst the people as friends — not as enemies ; as protectors — 
not as conquerors; to confer benefits — not to commit injuries. 
Henceforth they were absolved from all allegiance to the Mexican 
government, from all obedience to General Armijo. The latter 
was no longer their governor — he (General K.) was their governor. 
Active partisanship on their part was not expected. Those who 
remained peaceably at home should be amply protected in their 
properties, persons, and religion ; and not a pepper, not an onion, 
should be taken or disturbed by the troops, without pay and the 
consent of the owner. Submission w^ould insure safety — resist- 
ance was useless. 

The general then, in a solemn manner, administered the oath 
of allegiance to the United States, to the alcalde and two captains 
of militia ; one of the latter swallowing it with a ludicrous ill- 
grace. He then shook hands with the alcalde, whom he con- 
tinued in office, and througli him with all the people, whom he 
hailed as good citizens of the United States, to which a general 
shout and grimaces of satisfaction were the ready response. 

"To horse, and onward!" was now' the cry; the foe were 
waiting in the pass. Banners and guidons were unfurled, and 
streaming out to the dazzling sun — the officers dashed eagerly 
along the lines — each great gun was ready, and every rifle 
charged. Nerved to the utmost was every arm, and the flash of 
stern joy in every eye. The gorge is neared — the walk quickens 
to a lively trot — the trot breaks into a gallop. The pass is entered 



pixos. 235 

— it is cleared — no enemy is seen. iCven tiic horses droop their 
heads in disappointment, as sullenly, and one by one, the guidons 
are I'urled, and all things assume the ordinary tameness of the 
march. Noon brought the army to tiie village of Tacolete, and to 
the people there, the same change of government, "with the same 
ceremonies, as had metamorj)hosed Las Vegas. San Miguel, 
another of these adobe villages, situated on the river Pecos, wit- 
nessed a repetition of the same drama, on the 16th. And here 
again expectation was on tiptoe, for every few minutes brought 
in additional reports, that Armijo was collecting an overwhelming 
force, to contest the army's further march, at the celebrated 
Canon, the Pecos pass, fifteen miles from Santa F6. 

The 17th saw the banner of the Union passing proudly by the 
interesting ruins of the ancient, and once strongly fortified, town 
of Pecos, standing on a rocky eminence. Built, as it is alleged, 
beiore the conquest by the Spaniards, it presents the blended 
features of Pagan and Catholic architecture. Here, until within the 
last seven years, had burned the eternal holy fire, whose incense had 
ceaselessly ascended for centuries before the conquest, and whose 
sacredly fatal flame was watched and fed with unwearied fitlelity 
by the Indian, even after his conversion to the faith of the Cross. 
But gradually the devoted tribe diminished in number, until at 
last too few were left to maintain the undying flames in the vast 
" estufla ;" then yielding to the sore necessity, the remnant aban- 
doned the holy spot, and j)assed over the mountains to the south, 
to mingle with a kindred tribe of their original race, and there 
still keep up the eternal fire of Montezuma. Some few years it 
yet may burn ; but the toil, the unceasing watchfulness, and the 
exposure to continued heat, consequent upon their faithful adhe- 
rence to the old delusion, is with steady progress diminishing the 
already thin numljcrs of the tribe, and ere long, in all human pro- 
bability, the holy fire, and the breath of the last of Montezuma's 
race, will go out together. 
32 



236 HISTORY OF TIIK MKXICAN WAR. 

Santa F6 was still distant nine-and-twenty miles, on the morn- 
ing of August the 18th, and between it and the army lay the for- 
midable Canon, which, fifteen miles from the town, contracts into 
a narrow gorge, some forty feet in width, above which rise hills 
many hundred feet on either side. "It is a gateway," says 
Colonel Emory, " which in the hands of a skilful engineer and one 
hundred men, would have been perfectly impregnable." Here 
Governor Armijo had taken up his position, with four thousand men 
and six pieces of artillery, and had thrown up an abattis. But 
even here our troops were destined to find no foe in arms. 
Whether owing to dissensions among his followers and officers, 
or from some other cause, Armijo had abandoned this command- 
ing position without firing a single gun, and with his artillery 
and an escort of one hundred dragoons, had fled in hot haste 
towards Chihuahua. The army passed on. Vigil, the lieu- 
tenant-governor, with other leading citizens, received the general 
and his companions at the palace, and tendered to them the hos- 
pitalities of the place. With the setting of the sun, our guns, 
from an eminence overlooking the town, saluted the flag of the 
United States, floating over the capital of New Mexico. In fifty 
days the Army of the West had marched, from Fort Leavenworth, 
eight hundred and eighty-three miles, over solitudes and arid 
w'astes, and subjugated, without striking a blow, a province con- 
taininof a hundred thousand inhabitants, and in its commercial and 
military aspect a possession all-important to these United States. 

On the morning of the 19th, the general, through his inter- 
preter Robideaux, addressed the assembled people at considerable 
length, distinctly and firmly claiming henceforth the whole of 
New Mexico for his country, while giving the strongest assurances 
to all, of the peaceable and friendly intentions of his government, 
and of his army, and pledging the national faith to the protection 
of person, property, and religion. He declared them absolved 
from all allegiance to the government of Mexico, and promised 



kkarny's proclamation. 237 

the speedy pronniluation of a civil government, similar to those 
in his own counliy, am! under which the people woukl enjoy 
freedom and hai)piness iiitherto unknown. The acting governor 
and other magistrates then took the oath of allegiance to the 
United States, and the people at large saluted the general with 
shouts, vivas, and huzzas. 

The same energy and skill that had conducted the army through 
dilficulties of no ordinary kind to bloodless victory, and the quiet 
occupation of the capital, now marked the measures taken for the 
permanent securing of the conquest. A fort, suited for a compe- 
tent garrison, was immediately commenced on a site selected by 
Lieutenants Emory and Gilmer, witliin six hundred yards of 
the heart of the town, and from sixty to one hundred feet above 
it. Under the superintendence of these officers, and by the 
cheerful labours of men detailed from the several corps, quickly 
arose a substantial structure, named, in compliment to the Secre- 
tary of War, Fort Marcy. A proclamation was issued announ- 
cing to the people of New Mexico the capture of Santa Fe, and the 
general's intention to hold the province, or department, with 
its original boundaries on both sides the Del Norte, as a part of 
the United States, and under the name of the territory of New- 
Mexico ; — reiterating and confirming the promises heretofore given 
of the fullest protection in religion, property, and person ; and 
urgently recommending peaceful submission and allegiance to 
the United States. Interviews were had with those who had 
held authority under the Mexican government, with the clergy, 
and others, and the most conciliatory efforts used to win public 
confidence and attachment. With the chiefs and wise men of 
the Pueblo Indians, a large and formidable tribe, but among the 
most peaceable and best citizens of the department, conferences 
were had, in which their minds were fully disabused of the terrors 
sought to be impressed by the Mexican priests, regarding the 
barbarous treatment to be expected from the " Americanos," and 



238 HISTORY OK TIIK MEXICAN WAR. 

they, and the several trilies ol' hull-breeds, were made fast friends 
for ever. The savage Navajoes were warned to desist henceforth 
from their })redatory and murderous inroatis, and menaces of 
immediate and effective vengeance hehJ forth in case of their 
disobedience. From Taos and its neighbourhood, deputations 
arrived, charged with the duty of giving in the popular allegiance 
and adhesion, and soliciting protection from the Indians. Their 
words and demeanour manifested the most friendly disposition ; 
subsequent events proved them adepts in duplicity. 

The last day of August brought with it reports, apparently 
well authenticated, that Armijo, having been joined by Colonel 
Ugarte with a force of five hundred regulars and some artillery, 
was now^ rallying the people to the south, and with daily increasing 
strength, advancing on the capital. To quiet the public apprehen- 
sions, and promptly suppress any symptoms of an insurrectionary 
kind, General Kearny, on September 2d, marched out of Santa F^ 
with seven hundred men, on a reconnoissance down the valley of 
the Rio Grande. He passed through Santo Domingo, San 
Felipe, Albuquerque, and many other villages, to Tomd, distant 
one hundred miles from Santa F^. Everywhere the troops were 
received with hospitality, and manifestations of friendly welcome. 
The last sixty miles of this route, from Algodones to Tomd, pre- 
sented the appearance of one continued straggling village, so 
closely clustered towns, hamlets, and farm-houses, along both 
banks of the river ; while the inhabitants, especially the women, 
as well as the soldiers, enjoyed what seemed rather an excursion 
of pleasure among friends, than a military demonstration in a 
hostile land. Returned to Santa Fe by the 13th, General Kearny 
busied himself in making arrangements for the civil government 
of the province, for the military occupation of the capital and out- 
posts, and for the prosecution of the further object intrusted to 
him, the expedition to California. A collection of laws for the 
administration of the territory, prepared by Colonel Doniphan, 



PREPARATIONS I'OR CALIFORNIA. 239 

witli tlie aid of Mr. Willanl P. Hall, then serving as a private in 
the Missouri dragoons, and afterwards, while still so serving, 
elected by his tlistrict as representative in Congress, was })ro- 
mulgated on the '22d ; and simultaneously therewith the following 
appointments were made by the general, under authority from 
the president: — Charles Bent, to be governor; Donaisano Vigil, 
to be secretary; Richard Dallam, marshal; F. P. Blair, United 
States district attorney; Charles Blumner, treasurer; Eugene 
Leitzendorfer, auditor of public accounts; Joab Houghton, Antonio 
Josd Otero, Charles Baubian, judges of the superior court, of the 
newly subjugated territory. In this list of officials, it will be 
seen, Americans and Mexicans were combined. 

The conquest was complete, tranquillity was perfectly restored, 
law and order succeeded to oppression and anarchy ; everything 
wore the aspect of peacefulness and content. By letter to the 
adjutant- general, the chief now communicated his resolution of 
departing for the shores of the Pacific on the 25th of September, 
in the hope of reaching his destination by the end of the following 
month ; assuring the department, that no exertions would be 
wanting on the part of any one attached to the expedition in 
insuring to it full and entire success. 

The little army, whose triumphant progress we have hitherto 
followed from the borders of Missouri to the capital of New 
Mexico, was now divided into three columns, destined to operate 
in districts far apart, and never to reunite on foreign soil. Colo- 
nel Doniphan, with his own regiment, and Captain Weightman's 
battery of artillery, was directed to remain in New Mexico, until 
the arrival, now daily expected, of the 2d Missouri mounted vol- 
unteers, under Colonel Price, and, on being relieved by that 
officer, to proceed southward and ellt.'ct a junction with General 
Wool at Chihuahua. The infantry battalion, under command 
of Captain Angney, and Fischer's company of artillery, were to 
remain in Santa F6. The force designated to march on Califor- 



240 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

nia consisted of the little corps of topographical engineers, and 
three hundred of the 1st United States dragoons, under Major 
Sumner, with two mountain howitzers. 

Of the vast territories which lay between our western borders 
and the broad Pacific, and the acquisition of which has added 
more than a fourth to the national domain, little was accurately 
known, previous to the visit of the United States expedition under 
Lieutenant Wilkes, in 1841, and the subsequent explorations by 
land of Colonel Fremont. At intervals of frequent recurrence in 
the history of this continent, the name of California had attracted 
attention, and rumour had spread abroad vague and varying ideas 
of its extent, capabilities, and resources; but, while the coast of 
that distant region was imperfectly and even erroneously laid 
down, the great interior of the two provinces was an unexplored 
land, from which only the adventurous trader or daring hunter 
occasionally brought back scant and contradictory information. 
The peculiarities, bowever, of its position, as regarded these 
states ; its commercial and political importance, in relation to a 
not far distant future ; had not failed to be appreciated, either by 
our own statesmen, or by those of foreign countries : and the 
necessary, self-protecting policy of America was plainly indicated 
by the precautionary seizure and temporary occupation of Mon- 
terey, in 1842, by our squadron, under Commodore Ap Catesby 
Jones, acting upon information of a contemplated surrender of 
California to Great Britain. 

After the conquest of New Mexico, and the establishment of 
civil government at Santa F^, General Kearny made a proper 
disposition of his forces, and prepared for his second and more 
arduous enterprise. Leaving orders for the officer commanding 
the Mormon battalion, five hundred strong, upon arriving at 
Santa F(f% to take up the line of march in his rear. General 
Kearny, on the '2b\\\ of September, set out for California with the 
corps of topographical enefineers, and the three hundred United 



nKPAKTl'KK OF KEARNY FOU CALIFORNIA. 2^11 

States (Iraonoiis, imdcr Major Sumner. For several days the 
route lay o\.t lirouiid previously traversed, and through villages 
visited before, duriiiu- ihe military reconnoissance as far as Tome. 
The Rio (Irande was erossed at Albuquerque, sixty-five miles 
below Santa Fe, where the depth of the river was about thirty 
inches, and its width some five-and-twenty yards. The valley 
of the Rio Grande presents thus far down, bottom lands, about 
a mile and a half wide, and elevated but a few feet above the 
level of the running stream, which is rapid and regular, and 
affords the greatest facilities for irrigation, by means of zequias, 
or little artificial canals. These are indisjumsible aids to cultiva- 
tion in a country, the lowlands of which are seldom, if ever, 
visited by rains. West of this belt of bottom land lies a succes- 
sion of rolling sand-hills, amid which are the hiding-places during 
day of the Navajoes, whence, in small companies, these predatory 
lords of New Mexico descend at night to the valley, to bear off' 
from the settlements motley plunder of fruit and cattle, as well 
as children and women. When united in more numerous bands, 
they boldly come down by day and levy their blackmail, then 
quickly retire to their far distant, and apparently inaccessible, 
retreats in the mountains, whither Mexican vengeance has never 
vet essayed pursuit. 

At Tome, reached October the 1st, the river was found to 
measure thirty yards in width, its depth .still continuing about 
thirty inches. Below^ this, for a distance of some miles, the val- 
lev wifiens, the soil improves, and the cultivation is of a superior 
kind. Hut after passing the pretty village of Sabinal, " tlie set- 
tlements became very few and far between." In their encamp- 
ment at the bend of the river, opposite La Joya, the column 
awaited during the 3d, the wagons which had fallen in the rear. 
Her*' an (>xpress from Colonel Price announced tiie arrival of that 
officer at Santa Fe. AjkI at noon a Mexican on jianting steed 
rode into canip, elaimiiitr instant aid and protection again.st the 



242 HISTORY OF TIIK MEXICAN WAK. 

Navajoes, on the part of the alcalde and people of Pulvidera. 
Captain Moore's company was forthwith despatched to the 
rescue : while orders were sent to Colonel Doniphan to march 
his regiment into the Navajo country, for the purpose of etlectu- 
ally repressing their incursions. A march of twelve miles on the 
4th brought the column to the appropriately named village of 
Pulvidera, at which place the dragoons had arrived too late on 
the preceding day to render any assistance. The Indian assail- 
ants, in number about one hundred well mounted men, had 
descended rapidly on the town, and driven off the horses and 
cattle, while the terrified inhabitants took refuge in their mud 
houses. The people of Lamitas, a village two miles below, rose 
to the rescue of their neighbours, and seized upon the pass, or 
gorge, by which alone retreat with all the plunder could be made 
good. The Indians, thus in part foiled, slaughtered wantonly on 
the spot as many as they could of the captured oxen and goats, 
and with the larger number of the horses and mules scrambled 
away over the hills and cliffs beyond pursuit. No wounds had 
been given or received. A more disastrous foray had been made 
by the same band upon the settlements higher up the river, ere 
yet the American army had reached Santa F6, and when Armijo 
had called for a levy en masse. Then, in addition to other varied 
plunder, fifteen or sixteen of the prettiest women had been borne 
away. " Women," says Colonel Emory in his extremely inte- 
resting Notes, — " women, when captured, are taken as wives by 
those who capture them, but they are treated by the Indian wives 
of the capturers as slaves, and made to carry wood and water ; 
if they chance to be pretty, or receive too much attention from 
their lords and masters, they are, in the absence of the latter, 
unmercifully beaten, and otherwise maltreated. The most unfor- 
tunate thing which can befall a captive woman, is to be claimed 
by two persons. In this case she is either shot, or delivered up 
for indiscriminate violence." To the people of New Mexico 



KIT CARSON. 243 

assuredly the change in government ought to be welcome, even 
were it attended by no other benefit, than absolute security in the 
future against outrages such as these. 

Pursuing his route along the bank of the Rio Grande, on thf 
6th of October, General Kearny was met by the celebrated 
adventurer, trapper and guide. Kit Carson, sent with an escort of 
sixteen men, including six Delaware Indians, as bearer of express 
despatches from Commodore Stockton and Lieutenant-Colonel 
Fremont, at Monterey, to the authorities at Washington. The 
information brought by Mr, Carson, who had left Ciudad de los 
Angelos on the 1st of September, represented the Californias as 
already in possession of the above-named officers; that in the 
space of some ten days the upper country had been revolutionized, 
and placed under the American flag, which now floated in undis- 
puted sovereignty from every important position ; that there the 
war was ended, and peace and harmony established among the 
people. 

If this unlooked-for intelligence shot a momentary chill through 
the bosoms of the gallant little band, that had in loyal brother- 
hood of hope threaded its way through toils and trials to such a 
distance from home, and saw now even the chance of honourable 
trophy from the battle-field denied, the patriotic and the brave 
will know how to appreciate and to pardon the soldier's disap- 
pointment. How much more ready to acknowledge and estimate 
aright the purer, sterner patriotism, that quickly swallowed up 
the lingerings of self-love and soldierly ambition in the pride of 
American success, and with cheerfulness resumed the dull 
routine of duty ever faithfully performed, while sighing as it 
thought of laurels which it might have shared ! 

Under these circumstances, it seemed to tiie general un- 
necessary to take with him the whole of his present force, a por- 
tion of which might be more serviceably employed in the already 
subjugated province. Accordingly, three companies of the dra- 
33 



244 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

goons and the principal part of the baggage-train, under Major Sum- 
ner, were ordered to retrace their steps, to winter at Albuquerque, 
or operate as might be found expedient. The reduced column 
for advance now comprised the general and his personal staff, 
Major Swords, Captains Johnson and Turner, Assistant-Surgeon 
Griffin, Lieutenants Emory and Warner, with their assistants and 
attendants, and Captain Moore, with Lieutenants Hammond and 
Davidson, and one hundred men of the 1st dragoons. Mr. Robi- 
deaux accompanied as interpreter; and Mr. Carson, yielding to 
the urgent representations of General Kearny, who insured the 
safe delivery in Washington of the despatches, by a trust-worthy 
and expeditious messenger, and took on himself the wdiole 
responsibility, consented to forego his cherished hopes of soou 
rejoining his family, and undertook the piloting of the column 
through the mountains and the deserts, the difficulties and the 
dangers of which he had, with his faithful followers, just overcome. 
The two mountain howitzers went with the advancing force, and 
the returning command was put under requisition to supply the 
best outfits for these, and the six wagons, drawn each by eight 
stout mules, that followed the dragoons. 

Soon the last settlements were past, and thenceforth a new 
road was to be explored. The valley began to narrow, and the 
table-land, over which they were compelled to make their way, 
was rugged, and obstructed by thick bushes, rendering the toil- 
some services of a pioneer force indispensable, and progress con- 
sequently slow. Worse, they were informed, awaited them in 
front. On the 9th, the teams came blown and staggering into 
camp, after a journey of less than twelve miles, and some of the 
wagons were broken. It was therefore determined to send back 
the wagons and resort to mules with pack-saddles, for the trans- 
portation of the baggage and provisions. Awaiting these new 
modes of conveyance, for which messengers had been sent to 
Major Sumner, the four following days were spent in camp. 



MARCH TO CALIFORXIA. 245 

Here a cross section of the river gave a width of one hundred 
and eighteen feet, with an average depth of fourteen inches, the 
water flowing over large round pebbles, making it unsuitable for 
navigation with any kind of boats ; the fall is estimated at four 
feet and a half in the mile. 

On the 13th, Lieutenant Ingalls arrived with a mail, the last 
communication that could be expected with the United States. 
On the evening of the same day, the pack-saddles came up, and 
on the morrow, the wagons having been sent back, under charge 
of Lieutenant Ingalls, the march was resumed. Two hundred 
and thirty miles below Santa Fe, the army took its final depar- 
ture from the Rio Grande del Norte, on October 15th, marching 
westward over a table-land, deeply cut by the now dry channels 
of the mountain streams. The approach to the Sierra de los 
Mimbres was over " a beautiful rolling country, traversed by small 
streams of pure watery fringed with a stunted growth of walnut, 
live oak, and ash," and through the delightful and rich, though 
here narrow, valley of the Mimbres river. The 18th brought 
them to the celebrated copper-mines, which are extremely rich 
in that ore and in gold, but have been abandoned in consequence 
of the Apache Indians cutting off all supplies from the operators, 
destroying the mining towm, and manifesting jealous and deter- 
mined hostility. On the morning of the 20tli, a party of these 
Indians, headed by their chief. Red Sleeve, came into cam]), 
mounted on small, but fine and well-cared horses, and fantastically 
attired, mostly in habiliments plundered from the Mexicans. 
Beautiful helmets decked with black feathers covered the heads 
of some, but the most were bare-headed and bare-legged, with 
buskins, waist-belt, and cartridge-box. Variously armed as 
attired, some bore guns, others lances and bows and arrows, in 
the use of all of which they are exceedingly expert. A nomad 
race, whose temporary dwellings are formed of interwoven twigs, 
they roam the fair hills and pleasant rolling lands that over. 



246 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

hang tlie Del Norte between the 31st and 32d parallels of 
latitude, and plunder without compunction any weaker bands 
that fall in their way. Now they vowed before the general 
eternal peace and friendship with the white men, and everlasting 
hatred to the Mexicans. Carson placed little value on their 
vows. 

Resuming the march at noon, they slowly descended the 
narrow valley of Night Creek, overhung on each side by huge 
masses of volcanic rock, that with their ragged and precipitous 
walls much impeded the road. A descent of five miles brought 
them to the bank of the famous Gila, a bold, clear stream, fifty 
feet wide and about two feet deep, running swiftly over a pebbly 
bed, bordered with trees, and closed in by mountains. 

Hence the route wound through the wild and bewildering fast- 
nesses of the savage Indian tribes, who hold in terrified subjec- 
tion the once flourishing states of Chihuahua and Sonora. Still 
fertile and abounding in natural resources, they are rapidly 
declining in wealth and population ; and if the incessant devasta- 
tions and alarms of these, their uncivilized mountain lords, be 
not stayed, the country must soon become a wide, luxuriant 
waste. An almost impracticable labyrinth of mountain-spurs 
and valleys ; ascents and descents narrow, tortuous, and paved 
with sharp fragments of basalt and of trap; rocks, precipices, and 
ravines, in which every aspect of nature and of life was strange, 
imposed on men and beasts an incredible amount of painful 
exertion and incessant toil. Ruins, connected by tradition with 
the ancient race of Montezuma, and manifesting a civilization 
now lost in its antiquity, were frequently encountered ; these 
were generally surrounded by heaps of broken pottery, and in 
some instances traced with hieroglyphics, no key to which has 
yet been discovered. Interviews were repeatedly had wit}j 
smaller or larger groups from the Apache and kindred tribes ; 
but treacherous and cruel themselves, they obstinately declined 



RIVER GILA. 347 

such intercourse as could be beneficial. Vain were all efforts 
made to procure from them a supply of mules, to replace those 
which had in numbers foundered and died under the toils of the 
road. Their promises were abundant, their anxiety to barter 
manifest, and their desire of gain strong, but stronger than all 
these were their cowardly doubts and habitual duplicity. Cen- 
turies had formed the roots of that deep, undying hate, which 
they bore tlie Mexican ; the wrongs of their forefathers were 
vaguely remembered, but shapeless as these memories were, 
they exercised over the now savage race a resistless sway, and 
made them look upon all whites with tliat most deadly of hatreds, 
the hatred of revenge and of fear. 

The rugged mountains were left on the 9th of November, and 
the valley of the Gila extended its width. This river had been 
crossed times innumerable by the army, so often frequently as 
from ten to fifteen times in a single day's march, so jealously do 
the craggy spurs and precipitous canons obstruct the progress of 
an intruding force. On the 10th, a march of six miles over a 
plain, giving, in its now unused zequias, ruins, and thickly 
strewed fragments of pottery, evidences of having once sustained 
an industrious and dense population, brought them to the remains 
known as the " Casa de Montezuma." Portions of the walls of 
four buildings exist, and piles of earth testify to the site of many 
others. The one which was found most nearly entire, was a 
building of some fifty or sixty feet square, of four stories in eleva- 
tion ; the walls, built of a sort of whitish earth mixed with pebble, 
were four feet thick, pierced for doors and windows, smoked 
outside, and plastered, or glazed, within. No traces of steel 
implements were left upon the timbers, which were round and 
unhewn. Fire had evidently destroyed the whole interior, and 
no specimens of household furniture or domestic art were to bi' 
found — with the exception of marine shells cut into ornaments, 
and the corn-grinder commonly met among all the ruins on the 



248 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

plains. About two hundred yards from the chief ruin, a terrace, 
about three hundred feet in length, and five in height, was 
surmounted by a pyramid, eight feet high, which commanded a 
view of the vast plain, stretching to north-east and west, on the 
left bank of the Gila ; the whole extent of which, for many miles, 
seemed to have been at one time irrigated by water from the 
river. 

Along this plain now graze the cattle of the peaceful and 
interesting Indian tribes, the Pimos and Maricopas ; tribes distinct, 
but not dissimilar, living as neighbours in cordial amity. To 
the army they accorded a frank welcome, and ready hospitality. 
An industrious, intelligent, and virtuous people, they occupy a 
beautiful and fertile valley, from which they procure many of the 
comforts and even little luxuries of life, remote from the busy world, 
and seldom visited by whites, and then only by those who in 
distress confidently seek aid, that is ever generously bestowed. 
Their religion consists simply in a belief in one supreme and 
benevolent spirit. " It was a rare sight," we quote from Colonel 
Emory, " it was a rare sight to be thrown in the midst of a large 
nation, of what is termed wild Indians, surpassing many of the 
Christian nations in agriculture, little behind them in the useful 
arts, and immeasurably before them in honesty and virtue." 
Even by the Mexican government the worth of tliis people, 
numbering several thousand souls, has been uniformly apprecia- 
ted, while the Apaches have ever found them superior in battle, 
and have even in their own retreats suffered severe chastisement 
for thefts and other outrages, whenever hazarded against men 
that are as peaceful as they are brave. 

A two days' rest in this pleasing neighbourhood having much 
refreshed the men and recruited the animals, at noon of the 13th, 
a farewell watering was given to the horses, ere they set out on 
the Tesotal Jornada. Across a plain of granitic sand, which 
rose almost imperceptibly to the summit of a'hill range, running 



MARCH ACROSS THE DESERT. 249 

south-east, and %vhich was wholly destitute of vegetation, and 
down the opposite slope of similar character, they made a two 
days' journey, during which the mules suffered dreadfully for 
lack of food and water. Many perished, and those which survived 
^'ave little promise of future service. Rest in camp, in the Gila 
bottom-land, was necessary during the 15th, as on the morrow 
they were to set out on the most distressing part of the journey, a 
distance of three hundred miles, reported to be witliout grass. 
For many days the march was over parched valleys and table- 
lands, dreary beyond description, where a few stunted growths of 
the Larrea Mexicana, gave almost the only sign of vegetation. 
This bitter and offensive shrub, even mules when most hungry 
refuse to touch. The cane and willow found here and there in 
the low grounds, afforded these poor animals a scanty subsistence. 
By the 22d, most of tlie men were on foot, and the general's 
horse having given out, he was obliged to have recourse to his 
mule. This day they reached the junction of the Gila with the 
Colorado, w^here the united streams force a cafion through a 
butte of feldspathic granite, and flow due magnetic w-est. As 
the column approached the end of its day's march, they encoun- 
tered a trail, indicating the recent passage of a mounted force 
of probably one thousand men. Reports w^hich had reached the 
Pimo villages strengthened the first supposition, that it was 
General Castro on his return from Sonora, with a cavalry force, to 
regain California. If so, he could not be far distant ; the column 
numbered only one hundred and ten men, that was a force too 
small to await an attack ; promptly therefore did the general 
resolve, should the conjecture prove correct, to assail the enemy's 
camp the moment night set in, and beat them before they coukl 
have time or light to discover the disparity of numbers. Lieutenant 
Emory was ordered to reconnoitre, and soon ascertained tliat their 
neighbours were a party of Mexicans, on their way from Cali- 
fornia to Sonora, with five hundred horses for the use of Castro's 



250 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

command. On the person of one of these intercepted Mexicans 
was found a mail ; tlie letters, suspected of being on public 
affairs, were of course opened, and from them it was ascertained 
that a counter-revolution had taken place in California, that the 
Americans were expelled from Santa Barbara, Puebla de los 
Angelos, and other places, and that Captain Flores commanded 
as general and governor in the country, which had thrown off 
"the detestable Anglo-Yankee yoke." From the horses, General 
Kearny levied a much needed supply. 

Ten miles below the mouth of the Gila they forded the Colo- 
rado, there five hundred yards wide, and in mid-channel about 
four feet deep. Along the river bottom they marched thirty miles 
furtlier, then, at dawn of day on November 25th, each man with 
a bundle of the river-grass tied to the cantle of his saddle, turned 
their course across the formidable desert. This dreary waste of 
floating sand lay in their route ninety miles from water to water ; 
in crossing it, during three days and nights, much suffering was 
endured, and numbers of the horses and mules sunk on the 
heavy sands, to die of hunger and thirst. 

Refreshed by the waters of the Cariso creek, they slowly pur- 
sued a scarcely less toilsome road, partly through thickets of the 
centennial plant, the Agave Americana, the countless spears of 
which sadly tore the dismounted and wearied men, whose feet 
and legs were now almost bare ; partly over rugged rocks, amid 
hills where barrenness and desolation held sovereign sway. The 
flesh of the jaded horses, poor and tough, supplied no palatable 
food, and the howl of the wolves no cheering lullaby, as the 
ferocious creatures battled over the carcasses of the deserted 
beasts. 

December the 2d, the frontier settlement of California, War- 
ner's Rancheria, in the beautiful valley of tlie Agua Caliente, burst 
upon their delighted view. Here they rested, and made some 
slight amends for their long-continued abstinence. This rancho, 



RF.VOLT IN CALIFORNIA. 251 

or farm, was sixty miles from San Diego, now in possession of 
Commodore Stockton, and eighty miles from Los Angelos. Des- 
patching a letter to Commodore Stockton, requesting him to send 
out a party to open a communication between them, the general 
j)ushed cautiously forward, and on the 5th was met, about forty 
miles from San Diego, by Captain Gillespie, with an escort of 
thirtv-five men, sent out l)y the commodore. This little force 
lonsisted of California volunteers, with some carbineers from the 
ship Congress, under Lieutenant Bcall, and was accompanied by 
a field-piece. 

From Captain Gillespie were learned the main facts of the 
attempted revolution and the then existing state of affairs. 
Thinking his conquest complete, and all things secure, Com- 
modore Stockton, on the 2d of September, withdrew his force of 
sailors and marines from Ciudad de los Angelos to San Fran- 
cisco, where he designed to make arrangements for an attack on 
Mazatlan and Acapulco, in conjunction with Lieutenant-Colonel 
Fremont. The latter joined him on the 12th of October with the 
main strength of his battalion, leaving Captain Gillespie, with 
nineteen volunteers and a few pieces of ordnance, to garrison the 
capital. The departure of the great body of the American forces 
from the vicinity of Los Angelos, was the signal for revolt, incited 
by the Mexican officers still lingering in the territory. The 
insurgents, several hundred strong, took the field under Floras, 
and hourly gathering force, compelled Captain Gillespie to capi- 
tulate, on terms highly honourable to him and his little band, and 
to retire from the presence of overwhelming numbers, on board 
the Savannah, Captain Menine, then lying off San Pedro. Mean- 
time, Lieutenant Talbot, a young, l)ut most gallant and merito- 
rious officer, who had been left as military commandant at Santa 
Barbara, a pretty place about one hundred miles north of Los 
.\ngelos, with his little force of nine men, was hotly besieged by 
above two hundred insurgents, under Don Manuel Gaspar. 
34 



252 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Having effected his escape from the town, Talbot took post in the 
neighbouring hills, to await the return of the troops. Being dis- 
covered in his retreat, the Californians burned him out, and, with 
infinite peril and difficulty, he and his band escaped into the 
mountains, and thence, after a month's travel over some five hun- 
dred miles, enduring much hardship and suffering, they effected 
a junction with Colonel Fremont at Monterey, where the latter 
was recruiting for the expedition to the south. 

Informed of the revolt. Commodore Stockton had sent down 
the " Savannah" to San Pedro. He followed himself in the 
" Congress," and took up his march for Los Angelos, dragging 
along by hand six of the ship's guns. Now he was in possession 
of San Diego, with his noble force of sailors and marines, doing 
duty merrily on shore, as horse, foot, and artillery. 

Having further learned from Captain Gillespie, that an armed 
band of the enemy, with an extra supply of horses, was encamped 
at the Indian village of San Pasqual, nine miles distant from his 
present position, General Kearny sent out Lieutenant Hammond 
with a party to reconnoitre. This party saw, and was seen by, 
the foe. The reveille sounded at two o'clock on the morning of 
the 6th December, and at three the march was resumed in 
order of battle. The enemy, one hundred and eighty fresh, well- 
armed, and well-mounted men, under Colonel Andreas Pico, 
were already in the saddle, prepared for an attack. Here then, 
at length, the little section of the army, weary and worn from its 
perilous and most harassing march over the half of a mighty 
continent, ill clad, ill mounted, and ill fed, was to grapple for the 
first time, and at his own door, with the foe. 

General Kearny, with Lieutenants Emory and Warner at his 
side, rode immediately in rear of Captain Johnson and the ad- 
vanced guard of twelve dragoons, mounted on the best horses 
that remained. Then followed Captain Moore, with about fifty 
of the dragoons, mounted, with few exceptions, on the jaded and 



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SKKTrH 

or THC 

ACTIONS 

VOrt-'llT AT 

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rrruK calii ohm.v 

ruHwetnilhe Amoruaiis 
ami Mexuaiis 

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BATTLK OF SAN PASQUAL. 253 

famished mules lliey hail ridden, over one thousand and fifty 
miles, from Santa Fe. Next came Captains Gibson and Gilles- 
pie, with twenty of their volunteers : Lieutenant Davidson, with 
the two liowitzers, managed by dragoons, brought up the rear. 
The remainiler of the force, dragoons, volunteers, and citizens, 
were left to protect and bring on the baggage, under command 
of Major Swords, the quartermaster of the expedition. 

Drawn nigh to the enemy. Captain Johnson made a furious 
charge upon them with his advanced guard, promptly supported 
by General Kearny and Captain Moore. The Californians with- 
stood not the shock, but pouring in a continual fire, gave way 
and retreated to an open plain about half a mile distant. Eagerly 
Captain Moore, with the few dragoons on horseback, pursued ; 
the tired mules slowly seconded the ardour of their riders, and 
soon an interval was left between the hot pursuers and these thus 
retarded in their support. Well mounted, and among tlie most 
expert horsemen in the world, the enemy rallied in full force, 
took advantage of the interval, charged with desperation on the 
advance, and from their overwhelming superiority in numbers, 
made dreadful havoc with their long lances. For five minutes 
they furiously held the ground, for five minutes the rapidly thin- 
ning handful around the general bore up against the storm : the 
support came up, hand to hand the fierce but unequal fight con- 
tinued for half an hour ; then the outnumbering foe was repulsed, 
and fled from the field, to which they returned not again. The 
affrighted and wholly unmanageable mules had refused to bring 
their howitzers into the fight. 

With the dawning of the day, the smoke cleared ofT from the 
battle-field, permitting the victors to collect their wounded and 
their dead. Of officers and men, sixteen wounded and nineteen 
slain, gave melancholy evidence of how hardly the victory had 
been won. The killed were Captains Johnson and Moore, 
Lieutenant Hammond, Sergeants Moore and Whitehurst, Ccr- 



c^ 



or THE 

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F OUGHT .V 

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ajid Mexicans 

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.^i.tUi.U on I'l.-o's fores 




BATTLE OF SAN PASQUAL. 253 

famished mules they had ridden, over one thousand and fifty 
miles, from Santa Fe. Next came Captains Gibson and Gilles- 
pie, with twenty of their volunteers : Lieutenant Davidson, with 
the two howitzers, managed by dragoons, brought up the rear. 
The remainder of the force, dragoons, volunteers, and citizens, 
were left to protect and bring on the baggage, under command 
of Major Swords, the quartermaster of the expedition. 

Drawn nigh to the enemy. Captain Johnson made a furious 
charge upon them with his advanced guard, promptly supported 
by General Kearny and Captain Moore. The Californians with- 
stood not the shock, but pouring in a continual fire, gave way 
and retreated to an open plain about half a mile distant. Eagerly 
Captain Moore, with the few dragoons on horseback, pursued ; 
the tired mules slowly seconded the ardour of their riders, and 
soon an interval was left between the hot pursuers and these thus 
retarded in their support. Well mounted, and among the most 
expert horsemen in the world, the enemy rallied in full force, 
took advantage of the interval, charged with desperation on the 
advance, and from their overwhelming superiority in numbers, 
made dreadful havoc with their long lances. For five minutes 
they furiously held the ground, for five minutes the rapidly thin- 
ning handful around the general bore up against the storm : the 
support came up, hand to hand the fierce but unequal fight con- 
tinued for half an hour ; then the outnumbering foe was repulsed, 
and fled from the field, to which they returned not again. The 
affrighted and wholly unmanageable mules had refused to bring 
their howitzers into the fight. 

With the dawning of the day, the smoke cleared off from the 
battle-field, permitting the victors to collect their wounded and 
their dead. Of officers and men, sixteen wounded and nineteen 
slain, gave melancholy evidence of how hardly the victory had 
been won. The killed were Captains Johnson and Moore, 
Lieutenant Hammond, Sergeants Moore and Whitehurst, Ccr- 



354 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

porals Clapin and West, and ten privates of the 1st dragoons, 
one private of the topographical corps, and one volunteer. The 
wounded included General Kearny, Captains Gibson and Gilles- 
pie, Lieutenant Warner, Mr. Robideaux, Sergeant Cox, and ten 
privates of the dragoons. On the next day, the gallant Sergeant 
Cox died of his wounds. Many of the survivors had from two to 
ten lance- wounds; Captain Gillespie and Lieutenant Warner had 
three each ; the general two, and these so serious, that during 
the remainder of the day, Captain Turner assumed the command. 
The loss of the enemy was not ascertained, they having carried 
off in their final retreat all the wounded and the dead, excepting 
six ; but it must have been severe. 

Having been assured that the dead, wherever buried, would be 
dug up, that the bodies might be stripped of their clothing, the 
sorrowing victors bound on mules the remains of their fallen com- 
panions, with the intention of taking them to San Diego, there to 
be decently interred ; but the number of mules required for con- 
veyance of the wounded, caused this intention to be abandoned, 
and the men were engaged in fortifying the camp for the night. 
During the w'hole of the 6th, the enemy hovering around, kept 
tJie camp in constant and harassing excitement. Early in the 
day three of Captain Gillespie's volunteers were despatched to 
San Diego, thirty-nine miles distant, to procure conveyances for 
the wounded. As night closed in, under a willow that grew 
beside the battle-field, were laid to rest, in all possible silence 
and secrecy, the departed brave. Thus to lay down for ever in 
the strange land, far away from kindred and from home, those 
whom a march together of two thousand miles, common hopes 
and hardships, common dangers, enjoyments and privations, had 
familarized and endeared, was to the survivors of this little baml 
of brothers no common grief. 

On the ground where they were forced to encamp, rocks and cacti 
afforded scarcely so much of level space as to accommodate the 



BATTLE OF SAN BARNARDO. 256 

wounded during the damp, cold night, and sleep was denied 
even after thirty hours of ceaseless exertion and fatigue. The dawn 
of the 7th called to new efforts and new endurance ; the column 
was now reduced to one-third of its number, worn down with 
toil, ragged and emaciated, with mules fast falling away, horses 
dead, and provisions exhausted. By the skill and untiring assi- 
fluities of Dr. Griffin, the only surgeon of the party, the wounded 
men were now capable of being removed in rudely formed ambu- 
lances, and General Kearny w-as enabled to resume the command. 
Pursuing the San Barnardo road towards San Diego, they found 
the enemy occupying the hills in their front, but retiring as they 
approached. At the rancheria of San Barnardo, they watered 
their horses and procured refreshments for the sick, then moving 
towards the bed of the river, drove before them many cattle, a 
much needed supply. These, however, had soon to be aban- 
doned, for the enemy debouching from the hills in the rear, sent 
forward a party in full gallop to seize a hill commanding the 
road, and these it became necessary to dislodge. To accomplish 
this, was but the work of a few moments, and tha task of the 
advance. The Californians had five or six killed and wounded in 
the skirmish, which entailed on the victors no other loss than that 
of the cattle, one sufficiently serious under the circumstances. 
Against a force so numerically superior and so splendidly mount- 
ed, it was impossible to move, while the ambulances required 
the services of half the effective men ; and even with the tender- 
est care in transporting them, the suflerings of the sick were 
exceedingly distressing. Here, therefore, the general encamped, 
to wait until the wounded could be carried on horseback, resolved 
then to cut his way to San Diego. 

A flag of truce sent in by Pico on the morning of the 8th, led 
to a conference ; he wishing to exchange four Americans, whom 
he had captured, for an equal number of Californians. Unfor- 
timately there was but one Californian prisoner in camp ; but 



256 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR, 

this one was well exchanged for Burgess, who was one of those 
despatched to Commodore Stockton on the 6th. He and his 
companions had arrived safely in San Diego, and on their return 
had, previously to their capture, concealed their letters under a 
tree ; but on subsequent examination, it was found that these had 
been abstracted. That night, Lieutenant Beall of the navy, Mr. 
Carson, and an Indian, voluntarily went forth, on the perilous 
attempt of reaching San Diego, nine-and-twenty miles distant, 
and every pass towards which was now occupied by the 
enemy. 

During four days' rest in this camp, as for many days before, 
their food was the meat of the poor worn-down horses and mules ; 
but the wounded were going on well, and on the evening of the 
10th all save two were declared by the surgeon ready for the saddle. 
Orders were given to resume the march next morning. Before 
daybreak, they were joyously surprised by the arrival in cam]) 
of Lieutenant Gray, of the navy, sent out from San Diego by 
Commodore Stockton, with an escort of one hundred tars and 
eighty marines. Beall, Carson, and the Indian, had safely 
arrived in San Diego. The gallant new-comers found glad em- 
ployment until day, in distributing among the naked and famished 
soldiers their own clothing and provisions. 

By ten in the forenoon of the 11th December, the united force 
was on its route. Before them the enemy precipitately fled, 
leaving behind most of the cattle, for which they had so eagerly 
contested. This day first burst upon their view, from one of the 
hills, the broad Pacific, henceforth to be their country's western 
boundary. On the 12th they entered San Diego, having thus 
terminated the arduous march of one thousand and ninety miles 
from Santa Fd. 

The preparations for the contemplated expedition against Ciu- 
dad de los Angelos, distant one hundred and forty-five miles, 
having been steadily pushed forward, at the request of Commo- 



BATTLE OF THE SAN GABRIEL. 257 

(lore Stockton, who had in September assumed the title of Go- 
vernor of California, General Kearny assumed the command, ami 
went forth from San Diego, on the 29th of December, at the head 
of about five hundred men. The force was constituted thus : 
sixty dismounted dragoons consolidated into one company, under 
Captain Turner ; fifty Californian volunteers, commanded by Cap- 
tain Gillespie ; the remainder, sailors and marines, acting as 
infantry and artillery, with six great guns of various calibre ; Lieu- 
tenant Emory acted as assistant adjutant-general, and Commodore 
Stockton accompanied the army. 

Progress was slow, the oxen used in the wagons being poor, 
and the wagons themselves of the miserable construction of the 
country. No enemy was seen until January the 8th, when they 
showed themselves in full force, under their acting governor anrl 
captain-general, Flores, occupying with six hundred men and four 
pieces of artillery the heights in front commanding the San 
Gabriel, and evidently prepared to dispute the passage of that 
river. The troops were immediately disposed in the order best 
adapted to meet a wholly mounted force, a strong party of skir- 
mishers being thrown forward to cover the front, the wagons 
and baggage occupying the centre, and the remainder of the 
command protecting the flanks. . The position of the enemy was 
highly favourable. A ridge fifty feet high ran parallel with the 
bank on his side of the river, on which he posted his artillery, 
and just behind this hill, on either flank, a squadron of his cavalry 
awaited the favourable moment for a charge. As the leading 
battalion, deploying as skirmishers, reached the middle of the. 
stream, the battery on the hill opened upon them, and made the. 
water fly around with grape and round-shot. The artillery tarsi 
were now ordered forward, the guns were quickly unlirabered-, 
pulled over cheerily by the men, and planted in counter battery 
on the enemy's side. And soon, and briskly, they sent forth 
their thundering replies to the liill, making the fire from the latter 



258 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

wild and uncertain. Thus covered, the baggage and cattle were 
with great toil, forced across the river, which flowed one hundred 
yards wide and about twenty inches deep, over a bottom of quick- 
sand. Under a natural banquette, breast-high, on the right bank, 
the troops deployed into line, while a heavy shower of round-shot 
and of grape passed chiefly over their heads. In an hour and 
twenty minutes the baggage-train had all crossed, tire artillery 
of the enemy was silenced, and the troops w^ere in full charge 
upon the hill. Half way between the bank and the hill, the foe 
made a furious charge on the left flank, while the right was 
menaced at the same moment. A volley or two repulsed the hot 
assailants, and in ten minutes more the heights were carried, and 
our troops masters of the field. Pursuit was impossible, from the 
wretched condition of the wagon-train, which, bearing provisions 
for the garrison intended to be left in tlie city of Los Angelos, 
could not be abandoned. On the battle-field the army encamped 
that night. 

Next morning, the cattle but little refreshed, the route was 
leisurely pursued across the Mesa, a wide plain, lying between 
the San Gabriel and the stream, called indifferently the Rio San 
Fernando, and the Rio de los Angelos. The enemy hung con- 
tinually on the front and flanks for a distance of about six miles, 
then concentrated their force at a crest and ranne, that com- 
manded the road on the right. Here General Flores addressed 
his men, urging them to make one more bold and determined 
charge, to which he promised certain success. Deviating to the 
left of the road, to deprive him of the vantage-ground for his 
artillery, tlie army steadily pursued its march, disregarding the 
fire which the enemy opened with his artillery from a distance. 
Flores now deployed his force, making a horse-shoe in the 
column's front, and opening with his nine-pounders a galling 
fire on the right flank. A halt was called to silence this annoyance, 
which was a fifteen minutes' work, and the order was again 






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OCCUPATION OF LOS ANGELOS. 259 

given to move forward, when down came the enemy at once on 
the left flank and the rear in menacing charge. One volley from 
the small-arms brought them to a check ; a round of grape com- 
pleted their repulse. The accoutrements of their fallen horses, 
with their dead and wounded, they bore away on horseback to 
the hills. Now, three o'clock in the afternoon, the town was 
distant only four miles. It was known to abound in wine and 
agua ardiente ; with wise precaution, therefore, the general led 
his little army of conquerors across the stream, and encamped 
some three miles below the town. 

During these two days, the loss on the part of the Americans 
was small. In the spirited battle of the 8th, one seaman, acting 
artilleryman, was killed, one volunteer and eight seamen wounded, 
of whom two subsequently died. In the continued skirmishing 
and annoying affairs of the 9th, one dragoon and two seamen 
were severely wounded ; Capt. Gillespie of the volunteers, and 
Lieutenant Rowan of the navy, were slightly contused by spent 
balls. Their extraordinary expertness on horseback, enabled the 
enemy to carry off all their dead and wounded, and so conceal 
their loss, but it must have been comparatively great ; it was 
estimated at eighty-five. 

Next morning the army entered, without encountering opposi- 
tion, the City of the Angels, the capital of California, and hitherto 
the centre of the wealth and population of that province, as well 
as the focus of revolution, and the point of military power. On 
the 14th, Colonel Fremont, with four hundred volunteers raised 
in the neighbourhood of the Sacramento, reported himself at the 
capital. With him a portion of the enemy had on the preceding 
day entered into terms of capitulation, among them Andreas 
Pico, second to Flores in command of the insurgents, who had 
by breaking his parole forfeited his life, but by this capitulation 
procured pardon. Don Jos(' Mariana Flores made good his 
35 



260 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

escape to Sonora. The revolt was now effectually quelled, and 
the country peaceably submitted to American authority. 

At the meeting of these three distinguished officers, Kearny, 
Stockton, and Fremont, each of whom had so materially contribu- 
ted to the success and the glory of their country's arms, difficul- 
ties unhappily arose, as to their relative powers and position in 
the conquered territory. About the 16th of January, Commodore 
Stockton, acting, according to his own opinion, in strict con- 
formity with the instructions received by his predecessor in the 
naval command, and by himself, proceeded to organize a tem- 
porary civil government for California, and nominated Colonel 
Fremont as governor. Against this procedure General Kearny 
protested, and in writing assured the commodore, that to him 
(General K.) the President had confided the sole right of erect- 
ing a civil government in California. Commodore Stockton, 
relying on his instructions, refused to acknowledge General 
Kearny's authority. Colonel Fremont abided by the decision of 
the commodore. 

The instructions, under wliich General Kearny claimed his 
right to sole authority in the territorial government of the conquest, 
have been materially embodied in the preceding chapter. For 
the more ready comprehension of the counter-claim, a brief 
retrospect may be desirable. 

By a " secret and confidential order" from the Navy Depart- 
ment, bearing date June 24, 1845, Commodore Sloat, then com- 
manding the United States naval forces in the Pacific, was 
instructed, so soon as he should ascertain beyomi a doubt that 
Mexico had declared war against the United States, to " at once 
employ the force under his command to the best advantage," " to 
at once possess himself of the port of San Francisco, and blockade 
or occupy such other ports as his force may permit." In subse- 
quent orders from the same department, under date respectively, 
May 13th, May 15th, and /une 8th, 1846, those instructions 



Fremont's operations. 261 

were confirmed, and the commodore was expressly directed to 
exercise all the rights tliat belonged to him as commander-in- 
chief of a belligerent squadron ; while in every communication 
the importance was urged of establishing friendly relations with 
the people of California, and making the occupation of the ports 
a benefit to the inhabitants. 

On the 7th of June, Commodore Sloat, then at Mazatlan, in 
the Savannah, received intelligence of the actual outbreak of hos- 
tilities, and properly considered these as justifying his commenc- 
ing offensive operations on the west coast, under the order of 
June, 1845. Immediately he set sail for Monterey, landed the 
necessary force of seamen and marines, entered that town, hoisted 
the standard of the United States, without bloodshed or strenuous 
opposition, and issued his proclamation, declaring, among other 
things, California henceforth to be a portion of the United States. 
Other ports were similarly occupied, and possession of the coast, 
with its bays and harbours, secured. 

About the same time, Lieutenant-Colonel Fremont, then near 
the settlement of Sonoma, on the bay of San Francisco, with his 
topographical corps, had been compelled in self-defence to hoist 
the American flag and raise a volunteer force, in consequence of 
the extraordinary, unprovoked, and faithless conduct of De CavStro, 
governor of Upper California. The design of the latter was 
avowed, to attack and destroy, not only Fremont's party, but all 
the American settlers. Hemmed in by a treacherous foe, more 
than tenfold his number. Fremont turned on his pursuers, defeated 
them in fiercely contested engagements, and on the 4th of July, 
at Sonoma, headed the American and foreign residents in a 
declaration of independence, and war against De Castro and his 
troops, as the only means of safety. A few days afterwards an 
officer from Commodore Sloat brought intelligence of his capture 
of Monterey. Colonel Fremont, then leaving some fifty men in 
garrisons behind him, set forth in pursuit of De Castro with one 



262 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

hundred and sixt)- riflemen, when he received instructions from 
Commodore Sloat to march upon Monterey. 

On the 29th July Commodore Stockton succeeded to the naval 
command, and therewith to the authority conveyed in the instruc- 
tions from the Naval Department. He declared the whole coast 
of California to be in a state of blockade, proclaimed himself 
governor and commander-in-chief of all the forces by sea and 
land, and claimed by right of conquest the whole territory of 
L'pper and Lower California as a territory of the United States, a 
form of government for which he forthwith caused to be promul- 
gated. He next organized the " California Mounted Riflemen," 
of the men who had followed Fremont, received them as volun- 
teers into the service of the United States, appointing Captain 
Fremont their major, and Lieutenant Gillespie, of the marines, 
their captain. Directing Major Fremont to proceed to San Diego 
in the sloop-of-war Cyane, with his one hundred and sixty rifle- 
men and seventy marines, for the purpose of intercepting or cap- 
turing De Castio, the commodore himself set sail for San Pedro, 
and uniting their forces, on the 13th of August, both these com- 
manders marched upon, and took without opposition, Ciudad de 
los Angelos. 

Thus unvarying success had already crowned the arms of the 
republic, and the whole country was under dominion of her flag, 
ere yet the despatch of the 13th of May, and the President's pro- 
clamation in reference to the war, had reached the officers 
engaged. 

Two subsequent despatches from the Secretary of the Navy, 
bore date July 12th and August 13th. They embodied the sub- 
stance of previous instructions, and added, that the object of the 
United States was, under its rights as a belligerent nation, to pos- 
sess itself entirely of Upper California. That object had refer- 
ence to ultimate peace with Mexico ; and if, at that peace, the 
basis of the uti possidetis should be established, the government 



V-'i7 



KEARNY S GENERAL ORDER. 263 

expected, through the forces under the commodore, to be found 
in actual possession of Upper California. This would bring with 
it the necessity of a civil administration. Such a government 
should be established under tlie commodore's protection. 

Under all these instructions, directed at various times to the 
commander of the naval forces in the Pacific, Commodore Stock- 
ton now asserted his superior authority in California ; and, disre- 
garding the protest and representations of General Kearny, per- 
sisted in confirming the appointment, as governor, of Colonel 
Fremont. 

General Kearny withdrew to San Diego, where on the 29tli of 
January he was joined by the Mormon battalion, four hundred 
strong, under Lieutenant-Colonel Cooke, of the 2d U. S. dra- 
goons. This corps arrived in excellent condition and fine health, 
having had no serious loss during their long march, and in their 
appearance, conduct, and discipline, reflecting the highest honour 
on their military chief. 

On the 23d of January, Commodore W. B. Shubrick, in the 
razee Independence, arrived at Monterey, and assumed command 
of all the naval forces, and on the 1st of February issued his first 
general order. General Kearny, leaving the Mormons at San 
Diego, went on board the Cyane, and arrived at Monterey on the 
8th of February. The interview and arrangements between 
these two officers proved perfectly harmonious. Commodore 
Shubrick, and subsequently Commodore Biddle, his senior, cor- 
dially supported the views of the general, and co-operated with 
him in carrying out his instructions. In consequence, the follow- 
ing general order was by them jointly promulgated : — 

" To all whom it may concern, be it known — That the Presi- 
dent of the United States, desirous to give and secure to the 
people of California a share of the good government and happy civil 
organization enjoyed by the people of the United States, and to 



264 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

protect them at the same time from the attacks of foreign foes, 
and from internal commotions, has invested the undersigned with 
separate and distinct powers, civil and military ; a cordial co- 
operation in the exercise of which, it is hoped and believed, will 
have the happy results desired. To the commander-in-chief of 
the naval forces, the President has assigned the regulation of the 
import trade, with conditions on which vessels of all nations 
(our own as well as foreign) may be admitted into the ports of 
the territory, and the establishment of all port-regulations. To 
the commanding military officer, the President has assigned the 
direction of the operations on land, and has invested him with 
administrative functions of government over the people and 
territory occupied by the forces of the United States. Done at 
Monterey, capital of California, this 1st day of March, A. D. 1847. 
W. BRANDFORD SHUBRICK, 
Commander-in-chief of the JVaval Forces. 
S. W. KEARNY, 
Brig. Gen. U. S. A. and Governor of California.^'' 

On the same day the general issued his proclamation as gover- 
nor, promising respect and protection to person, property, and 
religion, absolving the inhabitants from all ties of allegiance to 
Mexico, assuring the people of the early establishment of a free 
government, and earnestly urging peace and union, and combined 
efforts to promote the prosperity and happiness of the country. 

Early in February Captain Tompkins and his company of the 
3d United States artillery arrived in the transport Lexington, 
with 24-pounders, mortars, ordnance stores, and intrenching 
tools : the company was stationed in Monterey. On the 6th of 
March, Colonel Stevenson arrived at San Francisco, in the ship 
T. H. Perkins, with two hundred and fifty men of the New York 
California volunteers — and a few days after, other transports 
brought the remainder of that regiment, numbering, in full, eight 



Kearny's return. 265 

hundred men, and including many mechanics : they brought with 
tliem, in addition to six pieces of artillery and a supply of small- 
arms, machinery for saw and grist-mills, mechanics' tools, and 
other materiel of industry. With these forces little fears could 
be entertained that the peace of the territory would again be 
easily disturbed. Settlements were made and towns founded, 
confidence was restored, and industry, released from terror and 
doubt, was now active, under the impartial and wise protection 
of the American flag. 

The work which had been assigned to General Kearny was 
completed — the object of his government fully achieved — the 
honour of his country maintained and exalted — his name and the 
fame of his little army written imperishably on the brightest 
pages of that country's history. On the 31st of May, 1847, hav- 
ing transferred to Colonel R. B. Mason the authority and duties 
of governor and commander-in-chief, the general, with his stafl" 
and a small party of officers, set out on his return to the United 
States. Difficult and hazardous was his route of two thousand 
two hundred miles across the continent. On the 22d of August 
he arrived at Fort Leavenworth. A little more than one year had 
sped by since last its flag saluted him — the story of those inter- 
vening twelve months has yet in military annals to find a parallel. 



CHAPTER XV. 

Colonel Doniphan's Expedition against the Navajoes — Treaty with the Indians— 
The Zumians — March upon Chihuahua — Battle of the Brazito — Town and Val- 
ley of El Paso — March continued — Enemy's position at the Sacramento — Battle 
of the Sacramento — Occupation of Chihuahua — March for Saltillo — Affairs in 
New Mexico — Plot discovered — Second Conspiracy — Governor Bent murdered 
— Pueblo de Taos — Insurrection quelled. 

Fulfilment of the promises of protection made to the people 
of New Mexico by their conquerors, was neither forgotten, nor 
delayed. From La Joya, on his route to the Pacific, General 
Kearny addressed to Colonel Doniphan at Santa F6 an express, 
instructing him to defer his contemplated movement on Chihua- 
hua, and to proceed with his regiment into the hill country of the 
Navajoes, to effect the restitution of all prisoners and property 
taken by stealth or violence from the newly-subjugated people, 
and to exact from that half-civilized, fierce, and powerful tribe, 
ample security for their future good conduct. These warlike 
Indians have, for full two centuries, been the terror and the 
scourge of the New Mexican border. From the range of moun- 
tains bounding the valley of the Del Norte, their country stretches 
away down the tributaries of the Colorado, and towards the set- 
tlements of California on the west, the Cordilleras, and the high- 
lands beyond, affording them strongholds and almost inaccessible 
retreats. Without towns or permanent abodes, they live chiefly 
on horseback, and in the open air, wealthy in countless herds of 
horses, cattle, and sheep ; yet, ever at the dictate of wild caprice, 
or in the spirit of a long-cherished hate, descending on the vil- 
lages and settlements of the valley, plundering and destroying 

(266) 



EXPEDITION AGAINST THE NAVAJOES. 267 

wherever they come. In their latest incursion they had slain 
seven or eit^ht men, taken off captive as many women and chil- 
dren, and (hiven away into their highlands ten thousand head of 
sheep, cattle, and mules. 

Leaving the town of Santa Fe, on the 26th of October, Colonel 
Doniphan divided his command into separate detachments, and 
invaded the Navajo country by three routes. The season was 
far advanced, and winter had set in with more than usual 
severity. For artillery and wagons the country was wholly im- 
practicable ; mules with pack-saddles, therefore, alone accompa- 
nied the force, which, without tents, almost destitute of shoes and 
clothing, and stinted in provisions, pursued over snow-clad 
mountains, and through precipitous ravines, barricaded by stu- 
pendous cliffs, and paved with huge masses and sharp fragments 
of the living rock, its strangely perilous way. Their daily march 
was through snows gathered deeply in the gorges, up mountain 
walls pendent with icicles, along narrow ledges overhanging 
appalling chasms, where an error or a stumble would have hurled 
horse and man among jagged and pointed rocks, hundreds of 
feet below. As the days passed on, the cold became intense ; 
yet frequently at night, the adventurous soldiers laid down their 
weary bodies, wrapped in blankets and skins, on the rugged 
earth or the frozen snow, and rose in the morning from beneath 
a newly-fallen coverlet of snow, with limbs benumbed, and 
icicles pendent in clusters from beard and hair. Even when 
they reached the diversified table-lands and the rich valleys, the 
snow continued equally deep, and the cold no less severe. Suc- 
cess crowned such fearless resolution. The Mexicans looked 
with undisguised amazement on what they considered the extreme 
of temerity ; the braver Indians, with respect upon the strangers 
whose skill and courage tliey could appreciate, a respect soon 
deepened into reverence by the generous confidence, the fairness 
and fidelity in every instance displayed. Every portion of their 
36 



268 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

country was visited, and with incredible toil about three-fourths 
of the adult males of their tribe, including all the head chiefs, 
were collected to a conference at the Ojo Oso, the Bear Spring, 
situate in the Navajo country. And here, after two days' delibe- 
rations, was made a permanent treaty of peace and amity between 
the American people — in which term were specially included the 
New Mexicans and the Pueblo Indians — and this hitherto irre- 
concileable and tameless race. To the memorandum of this 
treaty, signed on the 22d of November, by Colonel Doniphan, 
Lieutenant-Colonel Jackson, and Major Gilpin, fourteen Indian 
chiefs appended their marks. 

Returning through the large and singularly built town of Zuni, 
situate about two hundred miles west of the Del Norte, and con- 
taining an interesting, intelligent, and honest population of about 
six thousand persons, who look upon the New Mexicans as an 
inferior race, and are said to have preserved to this day the 
ancient Aztec character, arts, and habits, Colonel Doniphan was 
enabled by skilful diplomacy to effect a reconciliation and treaty 
of peace between them and the Navajoes, hitherto mutual foess 
Thus, in despite of physical privations, in the face of the obstacle. 
of nature, and the incessant hostility of the elements, the import- 
ant object of the expedition was accomplished. By different 
routes, each rivalling each in dreariness, difficulty, and danger, 
and all by the Mexicans declared to be impracticable, the several 
detachments of the force arrived, between the 8th and 12th of De- 
cember, at Valverde, on the Del Norte, the appointed rendezvous. 

The advance, consisting of three hundred men under command 
of Major Gilpin, took up the line of march southward from Val- 
verde, on the 14th of December. Lieutenant-Colonel Jackson 
followed, with two hundred men, on tlie 16th. While yet 
Colonel Doniphan was in the Navajo country, Lieutenant- 
Colonel Mitchell, accompanied by Captain Thompson, of the 
United States 1st dragoons, had been despatched by Colonel 



BATTLE OF THE BRAZITO. 269 

Price from Santa Fe with an escort of between ninety and one 
hundred men, volunteers from the 2d mounted regiment, and the 
light artillery of Missouri, witli the view of opening a communi- 
cation with General Wool. This force having passed down the 
valley of the Del Norte, joined the column of Colonel Doniphan, 
who, thus strengthened, left Valverde, with the remainder of his 
command, on Dec. iSth. The whole force was eight hundred 
and fifty-six effective men, armed with rifles — no artillery. Before 
leaving Valverde, information of the advance of the enemy to 
the defence of El Paso, on the Chihuahua road, induced Colonel 
Doniphan to send orders to Santa F6 for Major Clarke, of the 
Missouri artillery, to join him at the earliest possible moment, with 
one hundred men, and a battery of howitzers. That union could 
not be effected until the 1st of February following. 

The march lay along the Rio Grande to Fra Christobal, and 
thence across tlie dreary and dreaded desert, known by the 
appropriately ominous name El Jornada del Muerto, " the journey 
of the dead." On the 22d, at Dona Anna, the whole force was 
consolidated, and a number of traders, with over three hundred 
wagons, fell in with the baggage and provision trains in the rear. 
Certain intelligence now came that seven hundred men and six- 
pieces of cannon had reached the pass of the river, sixty miles 
below. The column moved forv^rard in gay anticipation on 
the 23d. 

About three o'clock in the afternoon of Christmas-day, after a 
merry march of eighteen miles, the advance of five hundred men 
was called to a halt, at the Brazito, or little arm of the river, for 
the purpose of encamping. The horses were unsaddled and let 
loose to graze, and the men, scattered in all directions, were busy 
in quest of wood and water. Suddenly a thick cloud of dust 
arose and moved towards them from the direction of El Paso, and 
soon one of the advanced guard in full speed announced that the 
enemy was at hand. To the call of the bugle the men hastily 



270 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

collected ; time to horse there was not ; in open order, and on 
foot, tlie troops formed as skirmishers, the extremes of the wings 
thrown towards the river to protect the flanks, the baggage, and 
the traders' wagons. The enemy, under General Poncd de Leon, 
numbered twelve hundred and twenty men, of whom five hun- 
dred and thirty-seven were well-mounted and splendidly equipped 
lancers and dragoons, from Vera Cruz and Chihuahua ; the remain- 
der, infantry from Chihuahua and El Paso, with one 2-pound 
howitzer. To the east, within half a mile of the American 
troops, they drew up their line in gallant and imposing array, the 
Vera Cruz dragoons on the right, the Chihuahua Active battalion 
on the left, the infantry and militia, with the howitzer, in the 
centre. 

From their marshalled ranks rode forward briskly a lieutenant 
bearinor a black flag : he halted at a distance of about one hun- 
dred paces, and through the American interpreter delivered his 
presumptuous message, and received an approriate response. 
He came to demand that the commander of the column should 
go over to confer with his general, menacing, at the same time, 
that, unless the demand was complied with, they would charge 
and take him, adding that they gave no quarter and asked none. 
Receiving in reply a scornful defiance, he gracefully waved his 
black flag, and galloped back to the Mexican lines. 

Instantly and boldly their charge commenced, the Vera Cruz 
dragoons riding in firm array down on the left of the American 
line. The charge was coolly met, and when within a few rods 
a deadly volley, again repeated and again, rained in among them 
dreadful execution. The remainder of their force pressed forward 
simultaneously, and under cover of the intervening chaparral 
three rounds were fired by their whole line, seconded by the 
howitzer, before a single rifle was discharged in return. Colonel 
Doniphan had directed his men to lie down on their faces, and 
reserve their fire until the foe came within sixty paces. The 



BATTLE OF THE BRAZITO. 271 

manoeuvre fully succeeded. The Mexicans, supposing they had 
caused great destruction in the quickly dropping ranks, pushed 
forward exultingly, when, suddenly rising, the whole centre and 
right wing sent forth a volley so terribly unerring, that the foe 
reeled, turned, and fled in irredeemable confusion, while the 
Howard county company, dashing into the mel(;e, captured and 
bore away the cannon. Meantime, the ever vigilant and intrepid 
Captain Reid gallantly led up . against the Vera Cruz dragoons, 
rallying on the left, twenty of his regiment who had succeeded 
in regaining the saddle. Furiously this little squad charged on, 
and into the force more than threefold their number, broke their 
ranks, and with their sabres hewed destructively around. Here, 
for full twenty minutes, the desperate fight continued. Another 
division of the enemy's horse, having outflanked the left of the 
line, and attacked the commissary and baggage train, were met 
by a well directed fire from the steady soldier-wagoners — and 
soon over every part of the field the foe was in disorderly flight. 
In the contiguous mountains they found refuge. 

The volunteer force in this engagement was under five hun- 
dred, the rear, under Lieutenant-Colonel Jackson, not having 
arrived until the battle was entirely ended ; their loss, none killed 
— seven wounded, all of whom recovered to participate in future 
struggles and renown. The strength of the enemy has been 
already given : their loss, so far as could be ascertained, exceeded 
seventy killed, and a hundred and fifty wounded, including their 
commanding officer". General Ponce de Leon. Besides the how- 
itzer, a number of carbines, several stands of colours, a large 
quantity of ammunition and baggage, with ample store of provi- 
sions and delicious wines, were among the spoils. The latter 
supplied the victors no unwelcome feast for their merry Christmas 
night. 

Such was the battle of Brazito, the first in which the volunteers 
of the West crossed weapons with the foe. With troops fresh 



272 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

and ngorous, and outnumbering them in the proportion of five to 
two, their struggle was brief, their victory brilliant. Brighter 
laurels were none, than Missouri won that day. 

Proceeding with military precaution, in anticipation of another 
attack, the army entered without opposition the populous town 
of El Paso, on the 27th. Here it was ascertained that General 
Wool had not as yet advanced on Chihuahua. A forward move- 
ment under these circumstances was judged extremely hazard- 
ous, and therefore Colonel Doniphan resolved to await at this 
point the arrival of the artillery ordered from Santa Fe. 

The beautiful and fertile valley of El Paso extends along the 
Rio Grande about two-and-twenty miles, by an average breadth 
often, and is occupied by a peaceable population, whose settle- 
ments present the appearance of a continuous farm, thickly 
intervalled by orchards and vineyards. The fruits and wines of 
the valley are of unsurpassed excellence, the produce in grain 
abundant. By the capture of the town, Colonel Doniphan was 
placed in possession of more than twenty thousand pounds of 
powder, lead, musket and great-gun cartridge, grape and canister 
shot, and of five hundred stands of small arms, four hundred 
lances, four pieces of cannon, and several stands of colours. 

Finding that, contrary to representatious industriously circu- 
lated among them, and unblushingly put forward even by their 
chief officers and clergy, the Americans behaved themselves in 
the captured city with the greatest forbearance, order, respect, 
and humanity, the inhabitants soon abandoned their doubts and 
hostility, and gratefully repaid such unexpected conduct by 
friendly and generous hospitality. The men now fared sumptu- 
ously every day, purchasing in the well supplied markets the 
more substantial food they desired, and having kindly pressed 
upon them the rich fruits, luscious wines, and other luxuries of 
the place. Hours of reasonable relaxation, and the intercourse 
of amity with the citizens, alternated with company and regi- 



MARCH CONTINUF.D. 273 

mental drills and other military exercises, and the preparation 
of supply and outfit for the march on Chihuahua. 

Events in New Mexico caused the detention for several weeks 
of the artillery, x-lt length Colonel Price found himself in a position 
to comply with Colonel Doniphan's order, and despatched Major 
Clark with one hundred and seventeen men, and six pieces of 
cannon, which, after extraordinary exertion and toil through the 
deserts and deep snows, reached El Paso on the 1st of February. 
On the 8th, the column was on march for Chihuahua. It was an 
enterprise pre-eminently perilous ; and the national heart beat 
more quickly in suspense for the fate of the heroic army, thus 
thrown out upon their own unaided resources, in the very centre 
of innumerous foes, and encompassed by natural obstacles still 
more to be dreaded. 

We must not stay to record the hardships they endured, and 
the dangers they encountered from the deserts, the flinty canons, 
and fire on the prairie. The force consisted of nine hundred and 
twenty-four effective men ; of whom one hundred and seventeen 
officers and privates were of the artillery, ninety-three of Colonel 
Mitchell's escort, and the remainder of the 1st mounted volun- 
teers, all of Missouri. The merchant-train under their escort 
numbered three hundred and fifteen wagons ; and, at the recom- 
mendation of Colonel Doniphan, the merchants and teamsters 
organized themselves into a well-armed and highly efficient corps 
of about one hundred and fifty men, in two companies, commanded 
respectively by Captains Skillman and Glasgow, with Samuel C. 
Owens elected their major. On the 25th, they reached the shallow, 
brackish Laguna de Encenillas, about twenty miles long and 
three miles wide, two hundred and seven miles below El Paso, 
and seventy-four from Chihuahua. Previous rumours now shaped 
themselves into intelligence, that about twenty-five miles in 
advance, and near the margin of the lake, the enemy was 
in force at Insencas, the country-seat of Don Angel Trias, 



274 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

governor of Chihuahua. Arrived at Inseneas on the evening of 
the 26th, they found it evacuated by the military; and on the 
following evening, at the Fort of Sans, they learned from their 
spies that the enemy, in great force, had fortified the pass of the 
Sacramento river, about fifteen miles north of the city. 

By the authorities of Chihuahua the approach of the American 
troops had been for a long time expected, and extensive prepara- 
tions made to obstruct their advance. In full confidence of the 
result, the legislature of the department had in session deter- 
mined that Doniphan's men, when captured, should be stripped 
of arms and money, and sent bound, on foot, to the city of 
Mexico ; and that no delay might occur, a quantity of cord was 
provided, and cut into suitable lengths, for tying the prisoners. 
Governor Frias strenuously promoted the arrangements made 
under direction of Don Jose A. Heredia, commandant-general of 
Durango, Chihuahua, Sonora, and New Mexico, aided by Gene- 
rals Garcia Condd, Justiniani, and Uguartd. 

The position commanding the road and pass was well chosen. 
Two rivulets, rising in the mountains westward of the valley of 
the Sacramento, cross the valley in an easterly direction ; then 
the northern of these streams, the Arroyo Seco, bending to the 
south, meets the other, the Arroyo Sacramento, and with it forms 
the Rio Sacramento, which flows into the Conchas, a tributary 
of the Rio Grande del Norte. Across the peninsular plateau 
formed by these rivulets, the main road leads from north to south : 
on its left the ground abruptly rises in a bench, sixty feet high, 
sloping upwards from all directions to the north-east corner, where 
it is crowned by the rocky height of the Cerro Frijoles, one hun- 
dred and fifty feet above the plain. The sierras south of the 
Arroyo Sacramento come at right angles in upon that stream, 
their easternmost advance, the Cerro Sacramento, narrowing the 
valley to a breadth of one mile. From the Cerro Frijoles along 
the northern front of the eminences, and thence southwardly 



BATTLF. OF THE SACRAMENTO. 275 

along tlie whole bench overhanging the road, was erected a con- 
tinued line of redoubts and intrenchments, under the superin- 
tendence of General Conde, formerly Mexican Minister of War, 
and a man of science and skill. On the Cerro Sacramento also 
there was a strong battery, commanding the road as it approached 
the ferry below. In this seemingly secure position, the enemy, 
under command of the experienced officers before named, 
awaited the approach of the American troops. Their infantry 
was protected behind the redoubts and intrenchments ; their 
cavalry was drawn up in front of the redoubts four deep, and in 
rear of the redoubts two deep, so as to mask them as far as prac- 
ticable. Their force consisted of twelve hundred cavalry from 
Durango and Chihuahua, with the Vera Cruz dragoons, twelve 
hundred infantry from Chihuahua, three hundred artillerists, and 
fourteen hundred and twenty rancheros, badly armed wuth lassos, 
lances, and machetoes, or corn-knives ; ten pieces of field-artil- 
lery, and six culverins, or rampart-pieces. 

At sunrise, on the 28th of February, Colonel Doniphan took 
up the line of march. The traders' commissariat, and company 
wagons, more than three hundred in number, were arranged in 
four parallel columns, with intervals of fifty yards. In the cen- 
tral interval marched the artillery, the first battalion in the interval 
on the right, the second battalion in tliat on the left. In advance 
of all rode two hundred cavalry proper. Thus was the force ren- 
dered more compact, and its numbers effectually concealed, while 
the wagons could be at a moments notice converted into a caral, 
to encompass and bulwark the troops. When arrived within one 
mile and a half of the formidable intrenchments, Colonel Doni- 
phan, pushing still further forward the cavalry in advance, sud- 
denly diverged to the right, so as to gain the easier though narrow 
ascent to the west. This the enemy perceived, and promptly 
endeavoured to prevent, by pushing forward in that direction one 
thousand cavalry, masking four pieces of cannon in their rear. 
37 



276 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

These were, however, anticipated, and by a rapid movement the 
elevation was gained and the line formed before the enemy came 
within reach of the guns. The American line was now parallel 
witli the main road, and fronting the enemy's defences on the west 
of the heights, with a marsh protecting its rear. Embarrassed by 
this well-conceived and quickly executed movement, the enemy 
halted, and a brisk fire from the now unmasked American bat- 
tery, at the distance of nine hundred and fifty yards, commenced 
the action. The enemy unmasked his guns and replied. Then 
rapidly deploying into line, he brought up additional artillery 
from his trenches, and opened a heavy fire, mainly directed 
against the battery under Major Clark, but wuth little effect. Not 
so with the fire from the American line — that proved effective, 
killing fifteen, wounding many, and dismounting one of the 
enemy's guns. At length, thrown into confusion and driven 
from his position, he slowly retreated behind his intrenchments, 
while Colonel Doniphan moved forward his whole line obliquely 
to the right, to obtain a more advantageous position. In this 
way they reached the southern edge of the plain, and within five 
hundred yards of the Mexican army, posted in a round battery 
and trenches, extending along the crest of the bench to the right. 
From this bench three trenches and a stone caral completed the 
connexion with the ford, and with the fortified rancho on the 
southern bank, beneath the Cerro Sacramento. Between the two 
armies, and beneath the Mexican works on the height in front, ran 
a deep gully, impassable for cannon, and greatly strengthening 
their position. To the right of the advancing American line, on 
an abrupt bench of the Sacramento Hill, a strong fort was occu- 
pied by a battery supported by cavalry, the balls and grape from 
which raked with a plunging fire the flank of the line, the whole 
of the passage down to the ford, and the ravine in front of the 
trenches. 

And now with greater fierceness the hot battle is renewed ; 




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BATTLE OF THE SACRAMENTO. 277 

security antl honour, ruin and shame, are de})endent on its issue. 
On either siile there is scornful resolve. With fourfold odds, 
embattled vantage-ground, and on their country's soil, these 
must not think of less than crushing victory. Those are American 
volunteers ; they have no time nor will for counting odds ; that 
victory must be theirs. There is glory to be won this day. A 
series of rapid movements and of brilliant charges divide the 
fight ; artillery, cavalry, and dismounted men press emulously 
forward. On the main central battery of the foe the foremost 
onset is directed ; tliere Weightman with his two howitzers, and 
Reid, Hudson, and Parsons, are ordered to charge. By some 
mischance the order reaches not the latter two ; Reid is already, 
where he ever is, in front, and on the foe. Weightman's guns 
come full gallop to the gully, turn it by the left, and unlimbering 
within fifty yards of the well-manned intrenchment, open their 
effective salutation of canister and grape. The courtesy is 
warmly returned. The horsemen, some leaping the gully, and 
others riding round it, have charged up the slope. Their impulse 
is resistless, and for a moment the battery is silenced ; but the 
numbers of the enemy are as yet overwhelming, and Reid's 
gallant men, met by dense masses thronging the breastworks, 
and sending forth a ceaseless hail of bullets, are forced to oblique 
to the left, and seek the intervals of the redoubts through which 
to charge. Here many are wounded, Reid is unhorsed, and the 
chivalrous Owens, who had volunteered in this charge, is slain. 
Hudson, anticipating his commander's order, and Parsons, 
demanding permission to charge, are now up the slope and in 
the hottest of the fray. Gilpin, with the second battalion, has 
deployed to the left at a gallop, his men have dismounted, and 
are running up the hill to the support of their brethren in arms. 
Mitchell with his mounted riflemen have advanced on the right ; 
having reached the ravine, they too dismount, and charge as 
skirmishers on the Mexican position, which is with much gallantry 



278 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

maintained, until, within fivc-and-twenty yards, the rifle tells on 
every head raised above the breastworks, with fatally unerring 
aim. Weightman presses on the intrenchments, regardless of 
obstacles ; and within a few feet of the ditches, and in the midst 
of a cross-fire from three directions, opens his fire to the right 
and to the left. The work is furious now. Doniphan is there to 
order, to encourage, and to lead. No officer, no man fails, or 
falls short of the leader's hopes. From right to left along the 
whole line of redoubts, the brisk and deadly fire of the American 
rifles is poured in. Horse, howitzers, and foot, in one simultaneous 
charge they dash upon the works of the enemy ; to the very brink 
of the strong redoubts they advance and attack with their sabres. 
Long and obstinately are the works defended ; now they are 
cleared, and the foe is sent whirling in flight across the plain. 
Meantime, under a heavy cross-fire from the battery on the Cerro 
Sacramento, Clark is bringing up, as fast as practicable, the main 
battery of four 6-pounders, followed by the wagon-train under 
escort of its own staunch companies. He opens upon the enemy's 
extreme right, from which an incessant fire had hitherto been kept 
up; and soon two of their guns are dismounted, the battery silenced, 
and the enemy dislodged from the redoubt on the Cerro Frijoles. 
A body of Mexican lancers attempt to outflank the left of the 
American line, and attack the wagon-train ; on them, Clark again 
opens his untired battery, and a destructive fire of grape and 
spherical case-shot has cleared them away. Bravely the enemy 
has fought, and gallantly have Heredia and Cond^ striven for 
victory. Before the volunteers they are borne headlong down, 
their intrenchments are abandoned, their guns deserted, and by 
both wings of the conquering force, with the merciless howitzers, 
they are hotly pursued towards the mountains beyond the Frijoles 
height, and away down the ravine of the Arroyo Seco. Repeated 
discharges of Clark's guns disorder, while they expedite this 
retreat. 



BATTLE OF THE SACRAMENTO. 279 

But all is not over yet. The main battery on the mountain 
bench beyond the Arroyo Sacramento, consisting of six of their 
best and heaviest guns, supported by eight hundred cavalry, con- 
tinues, as it has done during the heat of the engagement, to pour 
down a constant and heavy fire. Mitchell and Jackson, obeying 
the order to remount their men, and accompanied by the howit- 
zers, charge across the main road, and round the rancho, up the 
ascent to the rear of this position. Gilpin, with his second bat- 
talion, on foot, crosses the Sacramento rivulet higher up, and 
scales the rough mountain, to come down on the enemy from 
the other side ; while Clark, occupying that one of the enemy's 
deserted intrenchments nearest the Cerro Sacramento, twelve 
hundred and twenty-five yards distant, tries upon it the effect of 
his well-used battery. His first fire has dismounted one of the 
enemy's guns. They are of greater calibre, and their elevated 
position gives them a plunging fire into the intrenchment, but a 
third shot from below has cut in two one of their ammunition 
wagons. Brisk and precise is the discharge of the American 
guns, and their horsemen are now seen ascending the hill in full 
gallop. Further struggle is vain. Their guns and ammunition 
are abandoned, their colours flung down : as men astounded by 
the force of an incredible calamity, they fly in wild disorder, they 
are pursued for a short distance — they have disappeared. 

Thus ended the battle of the Sacramento, which had lasted 
above three hours, was resolutely contested, and most nobly won. 
For the skill of the commanders, the discipline of the men, the 
brilliant daring and resistless energy of all, it tells its own tale. 

The Mexican force in the engagement numbered upwards of 
four thousand two hundred men ; their loss was three hundred and 
four killed on the field, a still larger number wounded, many mor- 
tally, and above forty prisoners, together with a large quantity of 
provisions, all their artillery and mules, wagons, ammunition, imple- 



2S0 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

ments, small-arras, and colours. The American loss was one 
killed, and eleven wounded — three of them mortally. 

A detachment of the American army took possession of the city 
of Chihuahua on the 1st of March, and the following day the 
whole army entered it and took quarters. On the 25th of April 
Colonel Doniphan resumed his march, and on the 22d of May, 
1847, reported to General Wool at Saltillo. On the 27th they 
reported to General Taylor at Monterey, and reached St. Louis 
on the 2d of July following, after a march which in interest and 
incident far transcended the famous " Retreat of the Ten Thou- 
sand." 

The route from Chihuahua to Saltillo was no less arduous, no 
less toilsome and dangerous, than those through which we have 
already accompanied the men of Missouri. For details of their 
progress we have not time. The brilliant affair of El Poso must 
alone detain us for a moment in our rapid survey. 

The good people of the rich and beautiful city of Parras had 
received with hospitality, and treated with kindness, the soldiers 
of General Wool's command, and to his sick especially extended 
generous attentions. Just now they were thrown into general 
gloom by an incursion of the robbing and murderous Camanches, 
who had descended from their mountain-holds on the fair valley, 
cruelly slaughtered several of the people, plundered and desecra- 
ted many abodes, driven off some five hundred head of cattle, and 
hurried away into captivity nineteen young persons, of both sexes, 
but mostly females. Ere yet they had made good their retreat to 
the mountains, and while meditating new outrages to add to 
their spoil, they found themselves face to face with a foe, other 
than they had ever met. Thus far had reached on the advance 
of the army, our gallant Captain Reid, ever present, whenever 
wanted. To him the injured people related the cause of their 
distress. The appeal was irresistible. The kindness shown to 



BATTLE OF EL POSO. 281 

their sick and wouiulod compatriots, the volunteers could not 
forget ; and among the captives not a few were of that sex that 
always finds in the American arm a sure defence, of that sex that 
in Parras had been, as everywhere, the tendercst, most assiduous, 
most considerate, by the couch of pain. With fifteen of his men, 
Reid proffered to intercept the barbarous marauders at EI Poso. 
Near this place, on the morning of the 13th of May, he met 
Lieutenant Gordon, sent forward with fifteen men from the main 
body, to provide water. United, they formed a band of some 
three or four- and -thirty men. By a skilful feint they drew the 
Indians, intent on further spoil, towards a hacienda, where Reid 
had concealed his force. The Camanches were sixty-five, well 
mounted and armed, elate with success, and strangers to defeat. 
When they had come within half a mile of the friendly hacienda, 
the order was given to Reid's band, to charge. Like the lightning 
flash, they were in among the surprised, but nothing-daunted foe. 
With desperate determination not to lose their rich booty, the 
latter fiercely fought for full two hours, yielding each foot of 
ground, only as it was made slippery in the blood of some newly 
fallen of their number. Reid was himself severely wounded in 
the face, and in the shoulder, in both places by steel-tipped 
arrows. Of his gallant corps of supporters, none was materially 
injured. The Indians lost seventeen killed on the field, including 
their chief, and had full five-and-twenty dangerously wounded. 
Thus severely chastised, the remnant found protection in the 
high grounds, leaving behind all the spoil they had lately 
acquired. The restoration of the captive youths and maidens to 
the bosoms of their delighted families, was more than compensa- 
tion to the generous deliverers. Through the Prefect of the 
department of Parras, Don Josd Ignacio Arrabe, a letter of 
graceful acknowledgment and thanks was conveyed to the 
chivalrous leader and his corps of worthy brothers. 



282 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

We turn now to take a hasty glance at events occurring in 
New Mexico, while thus the troops under Doniphan were passing 
in triumph througli the centre of the enemy's country. Mr. 
Charles Bent, it will be remembered, had been by General 
Kearny constituted governor of New Mexico ; on the departure 
of Colonel Doniphan, the command of the troops remaining in 
the subjugated province devolved on Colonel Sterling Price. 
They consisted of his own regiment, the 2d Missouri mounted 
volunteers; an extra battalion, under Lieutenant-Colonel Willock; 
the Laclede rangers, under Lieutenant Elliott ; two hundred of the 
U. S. 1st dragoons, commanded by Captain Burgwin; Angney 
and Murphy's battalion of infantry ; Fischer's company of light 
artillery, and some additional artillery and miscellaneous troops, 
under Lieutenants Dyer and Wilson, of the U. S. Army; making 
an aggregate of nearly two thousand men. Of these a consider- 
able number was sent out, in separate detachments, to stations 
throughout the province, for the threefold purposes of preserving 
health and activity among the men, securing forage for their 
beasts, and maintaining tranquillity. The large proportion of the 
troops, however, was detained to garrison Santa Fd, For such 
service the volunteers were little fitted ; and notwithstanding the 
strenuous efforts of the officers, deviations from good order, dis- 
regard of discipline, and fatal excesses and indulgences, were 
frequent. 

At the time of General Kearny's departure, all things at Santa 
Fe and throughout New Mexico wore the aspect of acquiescent 
tranquillity. Smiles and gaiety, and professions of cordial amity, 
were, however, but the skilfully assumed covering of deep dis- 
content, jealousy, and hate, in the bosoms of very many. Early 
in December, the leading malcontents, including officers who 
had held rank under Armijo, displaced officials, and those 
generally to whom the old and corrupt system was gain, in mid- 
night conclaves began to plot the overthrow of the existing 



COUNTER-REVOLUTION. 283 

crovernment. Their plans were craftily laid, and approaching 
towards maturity — their several departments for action assigned, 
and consequent duties commenced— on the 19th of December, 
the church-bells at Santa Fe were to give the signal for a simul- 
taneous revolt. The time was subsequently postponed, to insure 
more complete organization and more effective action, and the 
night of Christmas-eve was finally fixed on for the rising, which 
was to be universal and instantaneous. Counting on certain 
success, they had already nominated from among themselves 
Don Tomas Ortiz, as governor, and Don Diego Archuleta, as 
commander of the forces. By a female the whole plot was dis- 
covered, and revealed to Colonel Price. Several of those sup- 
posed to be implicated were at once arrested, and ample evidence 
obtained of the existence, character, and objects of the conspiracy. 
Ortiz and Archuleta by timely flight escaped arrest, and, from 
motives of politic clemency, the other arrested persons were dis- 
charged. But the contemplated rebellion seemed utterly crushed. 
This appearance was deceptive. 

With embittered determination, and with closer secrecy, the 
conspiracy was renewed. To it were committed the most in- 
fluential men of the state ; the priests especially, bigoted in pro- 
portion to their ignorance, using all their authority to excite the 
people against the "heretic Americanos." Their teachings and 
exhortations were but too successful. The suppression of the 
embryo rebellion had been followed by a proclamation from 
Governor Bent, in which he addressed himself to the good sense 
as well as to the honour of tlie people, seeking to disabuse their 
minds of the absurd impressions which designing factionists had 
busied themselves to make, showing the folly and hopelessness 
of insurrection, and urgently inviting the co-operation of the 
})eople themselves in the peaceful struggle for common prosperity. 

Meantime the organization of the government in its inferior 
departments had gone on, and pari passu the enjoyment and 
38 



284 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

relaxation of the soldiery in Santa F6. Imprudence and excess 
counted many victims among the troops, and increasing fami- 
liarity witli the city revellers and their habits, brought with it 
increase of sickness. To all this the conspirators were unceas- 
ingly awake. On the 14th of January, 1847, Governor Bent, 
accompanied by several officials, left Santa F^ for San Fernando de 
Taos, in which place he had previously to his installation resided, 
and where he still had a house and estate. On the 19th, the 
refusal to release two Indians, incarcerated for some misdemean- 
our, was followed by the murder, in the most cruel manner, of 
the governor; the sheriff, Lee; the district- attorney. Leal; the pre- 
fect, Vigil, a Mexican ; a son of Judge Baubian ; and Harvimea, 
also a Mexican. In these inhuman murders Mexicans and Pue- 
blo Indians were common actors. Nor was this the result of any 
sudden or unpremeditated outbreak. On the same day, seven 
Americans were in cold blood butchered at the Arroya Hondo, 
four others at the Moro town, and two at the Rio Colorado. By 
the alcalde of Moro, and the faithful gallantry of a Frenchman 
of Canada, letters were intercepted, in which, with revelations of 
the plot, were contained earnest invitations to the inhabitants 
along the Rio Abajo, and the northern portion of New Mexico, to 
strike for revenge, in union with their brethren of the other dis- 
tricts. From these letters it w^as further ascertained that the 
enemy, bent upon the extermination of the Americans and of all 
Mexicans in their confidence and friendship, was approaching 
Santa Fd, gathering in his advance upon this city accessions of 
force. In this movement the leaders were Tafoya, Pablo Chavez, 
Pablo IVIontoya, Cortez, and Tomas, a Pueblo Indian. 

Prudently anxious to meet the foe, ere yet increased by their 
anticipated reinforcements along their line of march, Colonel 
Price, leaving Lieutenant-Colonel Willock with a comparatively 
strong force in garrison at Santa Fe, went forth to meet the insur- 
gents, on the morning of January 23d, at the head of three hun- 



COUNTER-REVOLUTION. 285 

died and fifty-three men, rank and fde, supported by four moun- 
tain liowitzers, in charge of Lieutenant Dyer, United States 
Army. The weather was then merciless, but action was neces- 
sary. Captain St. Vrain's company, the only mounted men of 
the force, formed the advance, and early in the afternoon of the 
24tla discovered tlie enemy in considerable strength, occupying 
the high grounds commanding, and close to, the little town of 
Canada, situated on a tributary of the Rio Grande. 

Two thousand strong, under command of Tafoya, Chavez, and 
Montoya, the foe had taken advantageous ground on both sides 
of the Chicito stream, and in three houses at the base of the hills. 
Promptly forming such line of battle as his force and circum- 
stances directed. Colonel Price threw forward and across the 
creek his four howitzers, from which, about two o'clock in the 
afternoon. Lieutenant Dyer opened a brisk fire upon the houses 
and the more distant height, occupied by the enemy. Meantime 
the dismounted men were moved up to a position, in some degree 
protected by the bluff bank of the stream from the INIexican fire ; 
while Captain St. Vrain was despatched to protect and bring up 
the wagon-train, already menaced by a large party. This service 
satisfactorily effected, Angney and Murphy's infantry battalion 
charged, and dislodged the enemy from tlie house opposite the 
American right flank. This gallantly accomplished, a general 
charge was ordered ; the same infantry battalion, supported by 
two companies of the 2d Missouri, moved rapidly up one of the hills, 
while St. Vrain by a circuit turned it, so as to cut off retreat. 
The artillery, supported by the remaining three companies of 
Price's regiment, drove the enemy from some houses and a 
densely wooded coral, and from tlie heights beyond. Till sun- 
set the struggle continued ; then the enemy, routed at all points, 
was seeking safety by flight. The nature of the ground rendered 
pursuit hopeless, and the troops were for the night quartered in 
the town. Next morning, they hesitatingly showed themselves 



5*50 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

on the distant heights ; but on the first intimation of a disposition 
to renew the intercourse of the preceding afternoon, they most 
unceremoniously decamped. The American loss in this affair of 
Canada was two killed and seven wounded. Of the latter was 
Lieutenant Irvine. The Mexicans acknowledged a loss of thirty- 
six killed and forty-five wounded. 

On the 27th, Colonel Price resumed his march towards Taos, 
whitherward the enemy had retreated, as to their stronghold. 
Next morning he was joined by Captain Burgwin with his own 
company of the 1st U. S., and Lieutenant Boone's company of the 
2d Missouri, dragoons, all dismounted, and by Lieutenant Wil- 
son, with a 6-pounder brought up from Canada. His whole 
force was now four hundred and seventy-nine rank and file, with 
whom he proceeded to La Joya, and there learned, on the 29th, 
that the gorge leading to Embudo was held in command by the 
enemy. The road by Embudo being impracticable for artillery 
or wagons, Captain Burgwin pushed forward with his own 
company, St. Vrain's, and White's, accompanied too by Adjutant 
Walker of the 2d Missouri, and Lieutenant Wilson — their con- 
joined force numbering one hundred and eighty men. 

The enemy, some six or seven hundred strong, was discovered 
occupying a formidable position on the mountain slopes, over- 
hanging each side of the road, just where the gorge was so 
narrow, as scarcely to admit of the passage of three men abreast, 
and still further protected by dense brushwood and large fragments 
of detached rock. From the gallant force so numerically inferior, 
flanking parties were thrown out on either side, while St. Vrain, 
dismounting his men, advanced up the rugged and precipitous 
hill-face, whose trees lent aid to the climbing men. The brisk 
contest was still going on, when Captain Slack, with twenty-five 
mounted men, came up from La Joya, to lend aid. Another 
half hour, and the battle was decided — the pursuit of the foe 
occupied two hours. One killed and one severely wounded, bought 



PUEBLO DE TAOS. 287 

this victory ; defeat cost the Mexicans and tlicir Indian allies 
full twenty killed and .sixty wounded. A white flag greeted 
Captain Burgwin's entry into the town of Embudo. 

The march resumed led over the Taos Mountain, covered to a 
depth of two feet with snow, through which the troops, with 
admirable constancy and patience, trampled down a road for the 
artillery and wagons. On the 3d of February Colonel Price 
marched, without meeting any show of resistance, through San 
Fernando de Taos, and there ascertained that the enemy had 
posted himself advantageously in the Indian village, Pueblo de 
Taos, a strongly protected place a short distance in advance. 
Walls of adob^, or sun-dried bricks, with strong pickets, and 
flanked by projecting buildings, supplied w-hatever w^as wanting 
to the means of defence afforded by the large church, two other 
large structures rising in an irregular pyramid to the height of 
seven or eight stories, and a number of smaller edifices. These 
were now occupied by Mexicans and Indians, numbering between 
six and seven hundred. On the evening of the 3d, a warm fire 
was opened on the western flank of the church, from Lieutenant 
Dyer's battery of two howitzers and one six-pounder, and kept 
up for about two hours and a half; when, as the ammunition 
wagons had not yet come up, and the men were suffering severely 
from cold and fatigue, the colonel commanding withdrew them 
for the night to San Fernando. 

Early on the morning of the 4th, the troops were in station for 
attacking the town. From the north and the west, a cross-fire 
was briskly opened from the artillery under Lieutenants Dyer 
and Hassendaubel, the former supported by Captain Angney's 
battalion and two companies of the 2d Missouri ; the latter by 
Captains Burgwin and McMillen ; while Captains St. Vrain and 
Slack, with the mounted men, moved round to the east of the 
town, to intercept any attempt at flight. Two hours' cannonading 
having proved it impossible to breach the strong walls of the 



288 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

church with the G-pounder and howitzers, the troops were 
ordered forward to storm. Most gallantly was the service per- 
formed, and most manfully was the building defended by its 
occupants, who poured out a continual and destructive fire. 
Establishing themselves close under the western wall, the troops 
now endeavoured to breach it with axes ; and by means of a 
temporary ladder the roof was fired. Meanwhile Captain Burg- 
win with a small party, leaving the cover of the wall, entered the 
coral in front of the church, and essayed to effect an entrance at 
the great door. This attempt was found fruitless, and in making 
it, the daring Burgwin received his death-wound. About 4 P. M. 
the 6-pounder, brought within sixty yards, enlarged into a prac- 
ticable breach one of the holes made by the axes. The gun was 
then run up within ten yards, a shell and three rounds of grape 
were poured through the breach, and now- the storming-party 
burst in. On the north the charge was equally successful ; the 
long and hotly contested fight resulted in the utter discomfiture 
and disordered flight of the foe. It was now night, and the troops 
were quietly quartered in the houses on the west side of the town, 
abandoned by the enemy. Early next morning, the old men, the 
matrons, and the priest, bringing with them the children and the 
altar images, humbly implored mercy and peace. Their suppli- 
cation was granted, on the condition that Tomas should be given 
up, that chief having been an instigator and actor in the cruel 
murder of Governor Bent and his party. In this battle the enemy's 
ascertained loss was about one hundred and fifty killed — his 
w'ounded unknown. The American loss was seven killed and 
forty-five wounded. Of these many afterwards died. 

In the earlier days of the revolt, Captain Hendley , than whom Mis- 
souri counted among her bravest none more brave, fell, while en- 
deavouring to suppress the insurrection in the valley of the Moro. 
He was in command of the grazing detachment on the Pecos, but 
hearing of the insurrection, on the 20th of January, promptly 



INSURRECTION SUPPRESSED. 289 

ordered the dillerenl grazing parties to assemble, and took pos- 
session of Las Bagas, where a concentration of the forces of the 
insurgents had commenced. These were readily dispersed by 
the captain and his command, which was soon increased to the 
number of two hundred and twenty-five men, by the arrival of 
different parties. Leaving the main body of his force to preserve 
tranquillity at Las Bagas, he set out on the 22d to the Moro, 
where the insurgents had embodied two hundred men. Upon 
arriving before the place, on the 24th, he found the Mexicans 
under arms. While preparing for an attack, he perceived a small 
party of insurgents running from the hills. A detachment which 
he sent out to cut them off, encountered the main body of the 
enemy, and soon brought on a general engagement. After a 
few volleys the enemy gave way, and sought their houses, from 
the windows and loopholes of which they fired upon the Ameri- 
cans. The latter hotly pursued them in their flight, rushing into 
the houses with them, shooting, and running through many with 
the bayonet. A part of the insurgents gained an old fort and 
commenced a fire on the American troops. Captain Hendley, 
with a small party, forced his way into one of the apartments, 
and, while preparing to fire the fort, received a ball, from which 
lie died in a few minutes. Being without artillery, the Americans 
considered the fort impregnable under present circumstances, 
and abandoned the place, having killed twenty-five of the enemy, 
and taken seventeen prisoners. The American loss was Captain 
Hendley killed, and three wounded. His body was taken to 
Santa F^, and buried with military honours. Subsequently his 
remains were conveyed to Fort Leavenworth, and thence to Rich- 
mond, where they were interred on the 23d of September, 1847. 
On the 1st of February, his death, and the fall, too, of other gallant 
men, was avenged by the complete demolition of the Moro 
village, by the troops* under Captain Morin. 

By those prompt exertions the insurrection was effectually sup- 



290 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

pressed. Of the leaders in the revolt, Tafoya fell at Cafiada, 
Chavez at Pueblo ; Montoya was hanged as a traitor, at San Fer- 
nando ; and Tomas was, in a quarrel, shot by a private, while a 
prisoner in the guard-room of the latter town. Sanction of Gene- 
ral Kearny's assumed power to transfer the allegiance of the New 
Mexicans from their own government to the United States, was 
refused by the latter. Consequently the charge of treason alleged 
against the revolters was not to be sustained, and the military 
executions under this supposed right were very promptly stopped. 

In May, marauding bands of Mexicans and Indians made 
desultory attacks on supply-trains and grazing-parties. On the 
26th of this month, at the Red River Canon, after a sharp conflict, 
Major Edmondson, with a detachment of about two hundred men, 
severely punished the largest of these bands, killing forty-one of 
their number, and wounding a still greater proportion. In June, 
Lieutenant Brown, with two of his men, in an effort to recover 
horses stolen from his command, was cruelly murdered. Major 
Edmondson hastily marched from Las Vegas in pursuit of the 
murderers, shot down a few, and took forty prisoners. In July, 
rumours of an intended renewal of the insurrection were rife. But 
the increased vigilance of the troops, and the presence of an 
additional force from the States, checked the contemplated out- 
break. 

On the 20th of July, all now seeming more permanently tran- 
quil, Colonel Price was raised to the rank of brigadier-general, 
and appointed still to command at Santa F^. 

Here we take leave of the Army of the West — an army whose 
sufferings and whose deeds alike entitle it to the admiration and 
boundless gratitude of its country. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Government determines upon making Vera Cruz the base of a new Line of Opr- 
rations— Vera Cruz— Description of the City— San Juan d'UUoa— By whom 
founded — Description of the Fortress— Its Capture by Acle, Lorencillo, and 
Bodin — Taylor notified of the intention to reduce his Force— Scott ordered lo 
Mexico — Reaches the Rio Grande — Appoints tiie Island of Lobos as the place 
of Rendezvous — Description of Lobos— The Arrival of Volunteers — Reconnois- 
t^ancc by Scott and Conner — Preparations for Disimharking upon the Beach at 
Vera Cruz — Disembarkation of the Troops — Investment of the City- Gallant 
co-operation of the Navy— Skirmishes with the Enemy — Investment completed 
— Scott's Despatch to the War Department — The Batteries opened — Skirmish at 
Puenta del Medio— Harney's brilliant affair at Medellin — Overtures for the Sur- 
render of Vera Cruz and San Juan d'UUoa — Commissioners appointed — Cere- 
mony of Capitulation — Scott's Despatch to the War Department — Alvarado 
— Effects of the Bombardment of Vera Cruz. 

With the capture of Monterey ended the campaign of 1846. 

But before this brilliant achievement took place, it became 
evident to the government, tliat another and even more effective 
column of invasion would be required to operate from a point 
affording a nearer approach to tlie Mexican capital. 

General Santa Anna, whose return from exile had been con- 
nived at by our government, so far from distracting the Mexican 
people by internal dissensions, or inclining them to more peace- 
ful views, had succeeded in allaying tlie feuds of opposing parties, 
and in rousing and uniting all classes to a more vigorous prose- 
cution of the war. 

Finding all hope of reasonable accommodation cut off by this 
untoward state of tilings, a new and shorter line was determined 
on, striking into the heart of the enemy's possessions. While the 
39 291 



292 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

line of the Sierra Madre was to be held by General Taylor with 
diminished forces, tlie city of Vera Cruz was selected as the base 
of a new line of operations, for the assault of which preparations 
were made on a scale commensurate with the formidable charac- 
ter of the undertaking. 

Vera Cruz, the only commercial city of importance belonging 
to the republic of Mexico, is situated in latitude 19 deg. 11 
min. 52 sec. N. ; longitude 19 deg. 10 min. W. of Washington, 
and has an average temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Founded about the year 1560 by the Count of Monterey, and 
upon the exact spot which witnessed the landing of Cortez, forty 
years before, it became, in 1600, the capital of the department of 
Vera Cruz. 

It contains about one thousand and sixty-three houses, built 
mostly of stone, two stories high, and of a square shape, with flat 
roofs and parapets. The population, which in the year 1804 was 
computed at 16,000, has fallen ofl' gradually to about 5000 souls, 
which is believed to be about its present number. 

The city is surrounded by a stone wall, 3124 varas or yards in 
circumference, which is defended by nine bastions, capable of 
supporting 100 guns. 

Vera Cruz is small but regularly laid out, well paved, and 
well lighted. Its police regulations are admirable. It contains 
a Cathedral, to which are attached the two chapels of Del Pastora 
and Del Loreto. It has also five convents and three hospitals. 
The Catliedral occupies the south side of the principal Plaza. 
On the east is the Government House, dignified by the title 
of Palace, and on the west and north are ranges of porticoes. 
The more modern erections for public offices, near the wharf, are 
among tlie finest in tlie city. 

Although Vera Cruz itself is situated upon an arid plain, sur- 
rounded by billowy sand-hills of various heights, and intervening 
clusters of thick chaparral, the country at a little distance inland 



SAN JUAN d'uLLOA. 29'.i 

is fertile and productive. Game, fish, fruit, and vegetables are 
abundant ; and tliere are few cities in which the necessaries or 
even the luxuries of life, can be obtained with greater facility. 

The harbour or roadstead is a very insecure one, and, from the 
anchorage being among shoals, affords but little protection 
during the prevalence of " Northers." 

But the pride of tlie n^public, as it was formerly the boast of 
Old Spain, is the famous fortress of San Juan d'Ulloa. 

This almost impregnable structure was commenced in the year 
1582, and the immense sum of forty millions of dollars was ex- 
pended by the Spaniards upon its erection. 

It is built upon an island in front of the city, and at a distance 
from it of one thousand and sixty- two " varas," or yards. This 
island had been visited by Don Juan di Orijalva, as early as the 
year 151 8, and from him received the name by which the fortress 
is now known. 

The foundations of this immense structure are laid in the 
sea, and with a solidity that has defied alike the furious storms 
of that latitude, and the encroachments of the fierce element by 
which it is surrounded. 

The length of the exterior polygon towards Vera Cruz, is three 
hundred yards ; on the north channel two hundred yards, while 
the fire upon both the northern and southern channels can be 
doubled by the use of the additional batteries of Santiago and 
San Miguel. The stone used in the construction of the fortress, 
is the Madrepom Jlstrea, a species of soft coral, tlic walls and ex- 
posed points being further defended by a facing of stone of a 
harder quality. The complement of guns which it is capable of 
mounting, is said to be three hundred and seventy. When the 
Castle was taken by the I'VenrJi in 1838, its batteries were found 
to contain one hundred and seventy-seven guns of various 
calibre. 

Notwithstanding Uie formidable character of its works, San 



294 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Juan d'Ulloa had been captured three times, previous to its in- 
vestment \)y the American forces. It was surprised in 1668, 
by Juan Aguinas Acle, a well known buccaneer, who was, 
however, expelled shortly afterwards by Don Francisco di Lujan, 
supported by a fleet of twenty-three vessels. 

The second capture is a remarkable one in the annals of Vera 
Cruz. It was made on the night of the ITtJi of May, 1693, by 
the pirate Lorencillo, who, after defeating tlie garrison, sacked 
the city at his leisure, retaining possession of both for two weeks ; 
when, having secured an immense amount of plunder, he retired 
without molestation. 

The third capture, that by the French naval forces under Ad- 
miral Bodin, has already been alluded to. 

It was upon this })oint, already blockaded by our squadron, that 
the greater proportion of the military force in actual service, or in 
the progress of enlistment, was directed by our government to be 
concentrated. By a despatch, dated the 22d of October, 1846, 
General Taylor was notified by the Secretary of War to hold him- 
self in readiness to meet a requisition upon him for four thousand 
of his best officers and men , — while, by a subsequent letter, he was 
informed that a still greater number, amounting to one-half of his 
whole force, would be required. Nine new regiments of volunteers 
were called for, and the President proposed to ask at the next 
meeting of Congress for permission to organize ten additional regi- 
ments of regulars. This authority he expected to receive early 
in the session, but the bill was not passed until near its close. 

On the 2.3d of November, General Scott, having been previ- 
ously put in possession of the views of tlie Executive, received 
tlie following order from the Secretary of War : — 



" War Department, 
Washington, Nov. 23, 1846. 



} 

" Sir : — The President, several days since, communicated in 
person to you his orders to repair to Mexico, to take command 



SCOTT ORDERED TO MEXICO. 295 

of the forces there asseinbk'tl, and pailiciilarly to organize and 
set on foot an expedition to operate on the Gulf coast, if, on arriv- 
ing at the theatre of action, you shall deem it practicable. It is 
not proposed to control your operations by definite and positive 
instructions, but you are left to prosecute them as your judgment 
under a full view of all the circumstances shall dictate. The 
work is before you, and the means provided for accomplishing it, 
are committed to you, in tlie full conlldence that you will use them 
to the best advantage. 

"The objects which it is desirable to obtain have been indicated, 
and it is hoped that you will have the requisite force to accom- 
plish them. Of this you must be the judge, when preparations 
are made, and the time for action arrived. 

" Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

W. L. MARCY, 

Secretary of War. 
General Winfield Scott."' 

Under these instructions. General Scott left Washington tlie 
next day for New York, from which place he sailed on the 30th, 
and reached the Rio Grande on the 1st day of January, 1847. 
Here he was met by the divisions of Generals Worth, Twiggs, 
Quitman, and Pillow. These, after a brief delay at the mouth of 
the river, with the forces here collected, were embarked on board 
tlie transports waiting to receive them. Their destination was the 
island of Lobos. 

This island, as described by an eye-witness, <■<■ is a lovely little 
spot, formed entirely of coral, about two miles in circumference, 
twelve miles from the Mexican shore, sixty from Tainpico, and 
one hundred and thirty from Vera Cruz. 

<« It was covered, before the Americans made it their rendez- 
vous, with a variety of trees and shrubs, the highest of the former 
probably some twenty-fi\e feet, and these so thickly covered with 
vines that one can hardly get through them. Almost all the trees 



296 HISTORY OF TIIK MEXICAN WAR. 

are of strange growth. Banyan-trees speading over large spaces 
of ground, their limbs forming props as they pierce into the earth 
and take root ; while the tops, thickly thatched with evergreen 
vines, form most beautiful arbours. Lemon, lime, fig, palin, 
I'ane, and an hundred other species of wood, are growing with 
all the freshness and beauty of the Indies. There is plenty of 
water to be had by digging from four to six feet. It is blackish 
and sweet, and about the quality of ship-water. Fish and sea- 
lowl we have in profusion. With these we have a sea air that, 
fourteen hours out of the twenty-four, makes the place delightfully 
])leasant." 

By the 15th of February, thirty-six hundred volunteers and 
four hundred regulars had already concentrated here, together 
with eighteen vessels of the first class. 

Shortly after, the transports arrived from the Rio Grande ; and 
the commander-in-chief, having at length increased his forces to 
about twelve thousand men, embarked them on board one hun- 
dred ships and transports, and sailed for Anton Lizardo. 

On the 5th of March, in the midst of the violent " norther," 
look-outs on board the squadron lying at the latter place, descried 
the long-expected armament bearing down upon them, and whi- 
tening the horizon with a wall of canvass. Spurning the fierce 
waves in triumph, ship after ship came dashing into the harbour, 
and, casting anchor, presented at the close of the day a perfect 
forest of masts. 

On the 7th, General Scott, accompanied by Commodore Con- 
ner, commanding the naval forces stationed in the Gulf, pro- 
ceeded on board Uie steamer Petrita, for the purpose of recon- 
noitring the city and castle, and choosing a point best calculated 
to facilitate tlie landing of tlie troops 

The beach west of the island of Sacrificios was selected ; but 
the anchorage being very contracted, it was decided, in order to 
avoid the confusion which would necessarily follow the crowding 



PRKPARATIONS FOR DISKMBARKING AT VERA CRUZ. 297 

of SO many vessels, to transfer most of the troops from the trans- 
ports to the vessels of Avar. 

And now all delays and impediments having been overcome, 
the eventful day at lengUi arrived which was to witness the dis- 
embarkation of the invading force upon Mexican soil, and within 
sight of tlie heroic city, and the renowned castle of San Juan 
d'Ulloa. 

It was tlie 9th of March. The sun rose bright and beautiful. 
The fierce " norther," the terror of those latitudes, had given 
place to a gentle breeze from the south-east, and a sea as smooth 
as if it had never known a ripple, and every heart beat high with 
eager expectation. About an hour before noon, the squadron got 
under way, the Princeton leading, with the Raritan in tow. About 
mid-day tliose on board the steamer New Orleans, just arrived 
with six hundred and fifty additional men, while casting anchor 
beheld the steamer Massachusetts pass, and upon her deck the 
tall and stately form of the Commander-in-chief, He was sa- 
luted with deafening cheers. The remainder of the transports 
followed in their turn ; and then was exhibited a spectacle which 
for magnificence has seldom, if ever, been equalled. The ships 
of war moving under easy sail, were packed closely with war- 
like men, whose bayonets, flashing in the sunlight, ilickered up 
continually like innumerable tongues of flame. Following tlie 
vessels, and attached to them, were tlie numerous surf-boats 
destined to convey the trooi)s ashore. 

Steamers and other vessels brought up the rear, crowded with 
spectators, anxious to witness the landing. The ships of war 
of three European nations looked on — their masts, rigging, and 
every point of vantage crowded with eager faces. Inspiriting 
strains of martial music were heard from afar, and at intervals 
rose, subdued by distance, the shouts and joyous outbursts of the 
soldiers, who, weary of a life of inaction, welcomed with en- 



298 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

thusiasm the fierce excitement of the hour. But the crowning 
glory of tlie scene was yet to come. 

In about three hours the frigates and transports dropped an- 
chor opposite the island of Sacrificios. Quietly and in admirable 
order, each ship took up its appointed station. The steamers 
Spitfire and Vixen, and five gun-boats, were detailed to cover 
the landing. The immense surf-boats, sixty-five in number, 
each capable of holding one hundred men, were hauled to the 
gangways of the various ships ; and, by four o'clock, freighted 
with four thousand five hundred men, were seen drawn up abreast 
of each other, in a single line extending for nearly a mile. This 
was the first division, under General Worth. 

The Massachusetts fired the signal for landing, and then, 
simultaneously, the bristling flotilla, filled to the gunwales with 
its human freight, was seen under way ; and, amid the hearty 
cheers of those who were left behind, to the spirit-stirring strains 
of martial music, and within sight of the gray old walls of Vera 
Cruz, and the terrible armature of its almost impregnable for- 
tress, the dauntless soldiers neared the shore. 

As the boats touched ground, the foremost men of each sprang 
into the water waist deep, and dashed up the sandy beach, fol- 
lowed by their equally impetuous comrades ; the stars and stripes 
were rapidly flung to the breeze, and the setting sun cast for a 
few minutes a lingering radiance among its folds. Thus was 
achieved the landing of the first division. 

The second, under command of Major-General Patterson, 
speedily followed. The reserve of regulars under Brigadier 
General Twiggs succeeded, and by ten o'clock, P. M., the men- 
of-war and transports were relieved of the remaining troops. 

The facility, directness, and precision with which this im- 
portant object was accomplished, reflect great credit upon 
Commodore Conner and the officers of the squadron. All the 
necessary arrangements had been made with so much skill and fore- 



CO-OPERATION OF THK NAVY. 299 

thought, tlial nearly twelve thousand men were thus disembarked 
without confusion, disturbance, or a solitary accident of any kind. 
Never, perhaps, in the annals of warlike operations, was a disem- 
barkation completed in which skill and science were more 
successfully combined. The able and effective manner in 
which the naval dispositions were carried out, proved how fully 
that arm of service participated in the enthusiasm animating the 
faces of those destined to operate on shore. 

The toils and hardships performed by the squadron in the per- 
formance of thankless and inglorious duties, have never been 
sufficiently appreciated by the country at large. The more bril- 
liant achievements of the army have had the effect of casting the 
less imposing, but equally arduous services of the navy into the 
shade. Time alone can do justice to the incessant caution, dili- 
gence, and watchfulness required of both officers and seamen, in 
an exceedingly unsafe position, and constantly exposed to the 
terrible effects of the fierce winds called " northers," so prevalent 
in the Gulf during eight months of each year. 

That the navy panted to share in the successes of their com- 
panions in arms, and that they could be equally zealous in main- 
taining the honour of their country's flag, the best evidence was 
given in the manner in which the marine batteries were worked 
during the subsequent operations of the siege, and in the eager- 
ness with which all the officers and men of the squadron availed 
themselves of this only opportunity for distinction. 

The landing of the troops, which all expected to have been met 
by a most bloody and determined resistance, was effected, to the 
great disappointment of the ardent spirits of our men, without any 
demonstration being made on the part of the enemy, further than 
the firing of roundshot and shells from the long guns of the fortress. 
The enemy lost here, as at the passage of the Arroya Colorado, the 
best opportunity of resistance to the army of the United States. 

During the night the line of investment was partially taken up, 
40 



300 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

and by the 12th, the entire army Imd assumed the positions pre- 
viously assigned them in general orders, which were minute in 
particulars, based on information carefully obtained and tho- 
roughly studied by the Commander-in-chief, and pointed out every- 
thing with the utmost precision. 

It must not be supposed, however, that this was achieved with- 
out difficulty, or an attempt at opposition ; on the contrary, the 
labours of both officers and men were unusually severe. 

The character of the country around Vera Cruz — loose hills of 
light shifting sand, varying from twenty to two hundred feet in 
height, interspersed with dense and almost impenetrable forests 
of chaparral — and the limited means of land transportation, was 
only to be overcome by the most excessive exertions on the part 
of the men, upon whom the conveyance of the ordnance, muni- 
tions of war, and the necessary provisions for subsistence, was 
almost entirely devolved. 

Their labours, sufficiently severe at any time, w'ere rendered 
still more so by the prevalence of violent '< northers," which blew 
away whole hills of sand, added to and created others, blinding 
and stifling the men with the minute and penetrating particles. 

On the morning of the lOlh the firing of heavy ordnance com- 
menced from the city and castle ; and, except during the fury of 
the storm, was kept up night and day without any intermission, 
though with but little effect upon the lines of investment. 

By eleven, o'clock General Worth succeeded in taking up his po- 
sition on the right of the line. The division of General Patterson 
followed, Pillow's brigade being in the advance. After passing 
Worth, Pillow was detached with the 1st and 2d Tennessee, and 
1st and 2d Pennsylvania regiments, to dislodge the enemy, who 
were in possession of an old building near the head of the Laguna 
Malibran, while Lieutenant French, with one field-piece of Tay- 
lor's battery, was ordered to open fire upon a stone magazine also 
occupied by tlie enemy, and situate in the rear of the city. Both 



SKIRMISHES WITH THE ENEIVH'. 301 

these orders were successfully accomplished. The Mexicans 
evacuated the magazine, and Pillow's detachment, after driving 
their antagonists from the field, with the loss of one officer and 
three men on the part of the latter, cut their way through the 
chaparral, and with the 1st Tennessee regiment took possession 
of the magazine. Leaving Colonel Campbell with his brave 
Tennesseans at this point, Pillow again pressed forward, en- 
countered the enemy near the Medellin road, and drove them 
rapidly thence to the hills south-east of the city. Here they again 
attempted to rally, but eventually fell back within shelter of the 
citv fjuns. 

Upon these hills Pillow rested his command for the night. In 
the morning. General Quitman, while in the act of relieving Pil- 
low, was fired upon simultaneously by the enemy's infantry and 
the batteries of the city. A detachment of riflemen under Cap- 
tain Davis was instantly thrown forward, sup])orted by Lieutenant 
Colonel Dickinson and Major Gladden with two companies, each 
of the South Carolina regiment, and after a brief but spirited 
engagement the enemy was repulsed. Two skirmishes sub- 
sequently ensued, in which separate detachments of the New 
York regiment distinguished themselves, and with the same suc- 
cessful result. 

The same day, Brigadier-General Twiggs commenced the 
march of his division, the position laid down for him being the 
village of Vergara, and the left of the line. 

Nothing but the well known energy and perseverance of this 
veteran commander, enabled him to overcome the numerous dif- 
ficulties which beset him at every step. The ground was ruo-o-ed 
and broken — the sandhills high and loose, and utterly impassable 
for artillery — the chaparral required to be pierced at many points 
to allow the passage of the troops, and the guns to be hauled and 
lifted over high ritlges, the successful accomplishment of which 
demanded tlie utmost exercise of physical force. 



302 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

The men had also to sustain the burden of carrying their pro- 
visions and munitions of war, and were besides annoyed oy 
incessant attacks from skirmishing parties of the enemy, who, re- 
peatedly driven back at one point, reappeared at another, and 
kept the IMounted Rifles, under the command of the gallant Major 
Sumner, 2d dragoons, continually on the alert. 

The enemy lost two commissioned officers, and it was during 
these operations that Brevet Captain Alburtis, an officer highly 
distinguished in the Florida war, was killed by a cannon-ball 
from the city. 

On the 13th the line of investment was complete, and from 
this time until the l8th, when the trenches were opened, the men 
were kept constantly busy in throwing up breastworks, erecting 
batteries, planting mortars, landing supplies, and beating oflT the 
light troops of the enemy. 

Commodore Perry, who on the 21st succeeded to the com- 
mand of the Home Squadron, rendered efficient aid to General 
Scott. On the 22d, simultaneously with the opening of the bat- 
teries in the rear of Vera Cruz, he directed the fire of his flotilla 
of steamers and gun-boats upon the city with good effect. By 
permission of the General-in-chief, he also established under the 
direction of Captain Aulick a marine battery, of three Paixhan 
guns, and three long thirty-two pounders, which bore an im- 
portant part in the demolition of the city. 

From the 18th, until the final surrender, the progress of events 
is best marked by the following official despatches. 

" Head- Quarters of the Army, "^ 

Camp Washington, before Vera Cruz, ^ 

March 23, 1347. J 

" Sir : — Yesterday, seven of our 10-inch mortars being in bat- 
tery, and the labours for planting the remainder of our heavy 
metal being in progress, I addressed, at two o'clock, P. M., a sum- 
mons to the Governor of Vera Cruz, and within the two hours 



scott's despatch. 303 

limited by the bearer of the ihig, received the Governor's answer. 
Copies of tlie two papers (marked respectively A and B) are 
herewith enclosed. 

" It will be perceived that the Governor, who, it turns out, is the 
commander of both places, chose, against the plain terms of the 
summons, to suppose me to have demanded the surrender of the 
castle and of the city ; when in fact, from the non-arrival of our 
heavy metal — principally mortarS' — I was in no condition to 
threaten the former. 

" On tlie return of the flag with that reply, I at once ordered the 
seven mortars, in battery, to open upon the city. In a short time 
the smaller vessels of Commodore Perry's squadron — two steamers 
and five schooners — according to previous arrangement with him, 
approached the city within about a mile and an eighth, whence, 
being partially covered from tlae castle — an essential condition 
to their safety— they also opened a brisk fire upon the city. This 
has been continued uninterruptedly by the mortars, and only with 
a few intermissions, by the vessels, up to nine o'clock this morning, 
when the Commodore, very properly, called them off from a 
position too daringly assumed. 

«' Our three remaining mortars are now (12 o'clock, A. M.) in 
battery, and the whole ten in activity. To-morrow, early, if the 
city should continue obstinate, batteries Nos. 4 and 5 will be 
ready to add their fire : No. 4, consisting of four 24-pounders, 
and two 8-inch Paixhan guns, and No. 5 (naval batteiy), of 
three 32-pounders, and three 8-inch Paixhans— tlie guns, offi- 
cers, and sailors, landed from the squadron — our friends of the 
navy being unremitting in tlieir zealous co-operation, in ever^' 
mode and form. 

" So far, we know that our fire upon the city has been highly 
effective, particularly from the batteries of lO-inch mortars, 
).! anted at about 800 yards from tlie city. Including th? pre- 
paration and defence of the batteries, from the beginning — now 



;i04 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

many days — and notwithstanding the heavy fire of the enemy, from 
city and castle, we have only had four or five men wounded and one 
officer and one man killed in or near the trenches. That officer was 
Captain John R. Vinton, of the United States 3d artillery, one 
of the most talented, accomplished, and effective members of the 
army, and who was highly distinguished in the brilliant ope- 
rations at Monterey. He fell last evening in the trenches, where 
he was on duty as field and commanding officer, universally re- 
gretted. I have just attended his honoured remains to a soldier's 
grave — in full view of the enemy and within reach of his guns. 

" Thirteen of the long-needed mortars — leaving twenty-seven, 
besides heavy guns, behind — have arrived, and two of them 
landed. A heavy norther then set in (at meridian), that stopped 
that operation, and also the landing of shells. Hence the fire of our 
mortar batteries has been slackened since two o'clock to-day, and 
cannot be reinvigorated until we shall again have a smooth sea. 
In the mean time I shall leave this report open for journalizing 
events that may occur up to the departure of the steamship-of- 
war, the Princeton, with Commodore Conner, who, I learn, ex- 
pects to leave the anchorage of Sacrificios, for the United States, 
the 25th inst. 

(i March 24. — The storm having subsided in the night, we 
commenced this forenoon, as soon as the sea became a little 
smooth, to land shot, shells, and mortars. 

<<The naval batteiy. No. 5, was opened with great activity, 
under Captain Aulick, the second in rank in the squadron, about 
ten A. M. His fire was continued to two o'clock, P. M., a little 
before he was relieved by Captain Mayo, who landed with a fresh 
supply of ammimition, Captain Aulick having exhausted the sup- 
ply he had brought with him. He lost four sailors, killed, and 
had one officer. Lieutenant Baldwin, slightly hurt. 

'< The mortar batteries, Nos. 1, 2, and 3, have fired but Ian- 



SCOTT S DESPATCH. 30.') 

guidly during the day, for want of shells, which are now going 
out from the beach. 

" The two reports of Colonel Bankhead, chief of artillery, both 
of this date, copies of which I enclose, give the incidents of those 
three batteries. 

" Battery No, 4, which will mount four 24-pounders and two 
S-inch Paixhan guns, has been much delayed in the hands of the 
indefatigable engineers by the nortlier, tliat filled up the work with 
sand nearly as fast as it could be opened by the half-blinded la- 
bourers. It will, however, doubtless be in full activity early 
to-morrow morning. 

" March 25. — The Princeton being about to start 4br Philadel- 
phia, I have but a moment to continue this report. 

" All the batteries, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, are in awful activity 
this morning. The effect is, no doubt, very great, and I think 
the city cannot hold out beyond to-day. To-morrow morning, 
many of the new mortars will be in a position to add their fire^ 
when, or after the delay of some twelve hours, if no proposition 
to surrender should be received, I shall organize parties for car- 
rying the city by assault. So far, the defence has been spirited 
and obstinate. 

" I enclose a copy of a memorial received last night, signed 
by the consuls of Great Britain, France, Spain, and Prussia, 
within Vera Cruz, asking me to grant a tmce to enable the neu- 
trals, together with Mexican women and children, to withdraw 
from the scene of havoc about them. I shall reply, the moment 
that an opportunity may be taken, to say — 1. That a truce can 
only be granted on the application of Governor Morales, with a 
view to surrender. 2. That, in sending safeguards to the dif- 
ferent consuls, beginning so far back as the 13th inst., I distinctly 
admonished them — particularly the French and Spanish consuls 
— and of course, through the two, the other consuls, of the dan- 
gers that have followed. 3. That, although at that date I had 



306 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

already refused to allow any person whatever to pass the line 
of investment either way, yet the blockade had been left open to 
the consuls and other neutrals, to pass out to their respective 
ships of war, up to the 22d instant ; and, 4. I shall enclose to 
the memorialists a copy of my summons to the Governor, to show 
that I had fully considered the impending hardships and dis- 
tresses of the place, including those of women and children, 
before one gun had been fired in that direction. The intercourse 
between the neutral ships of w^ar and the city was stopped at 
the last-mentioned date by Commodore Perry, with my con- 
currence, which I placed on the ground that that intercourse 
could not fail to give to the enemy momZ aid and comfort. 

" It will be seen from the memorial, that our batteries have 
already had a terrible effect on the city (also known through 
other sources), and hence the inference, that a surrender must 
soon be proposed. In haste, 

" I have the honour to remain, sir, with respect, your most 
obedient servant, 

WINFIELD SCOTT. 

Hon. Wm. L. Marcy, Secretary of War." 

The naval battery which opened its fire on the 24th, under the 
command of Captain Aulick, was erected within 700 yards of the 
walls of the city, and such was the secrecy and celerity with 
which the work was performed by the night labours of two 
thousand men, that its proximity was not discovered by the be- 
sieged until the intervening chaparral was suddenly cut away from 
before it by some daring volunteers headed by Midshipman Allan 
McLane, a descendant of the brave Revolutionary officer of the 
same name, and, to the great astonishment of the enemy, it 
stood boldly developed with its guns mounted, and the men at 
their stations. 



THE BATTERIES OPENED. 307 

Then commenced its destructive fire, which was vainly at- 
tempted to be silenced by turnini]::on it, as upon a terrible focus, 
the fire of all the batteries in town. 

The marine battery opened the succeedin<2: morninp^, and it 
was here that, within a few hours, fell Midshipman Shubrick, 
while watching the effects of his shot. 

" The effect of this battery," writes an eye-witness, «■ was aw- 
ful. The walls were breached, a number of guns dismounted, 
and the red battery completely silenced. 

" Equally brave and determined were the Mexicans. Three 
times the flag-staff was shot away, and three times a Mexican 
leaped to the battlements and held it aloft amid the cheers of the 
assailants. In the afternoon a flag of truce arrived, requesting 
six hours to bury their dead. It was accorded, and the firing 
ceased." 

While tlie siege was thus vigorously pressed, two affairs oc- 
cured with the enemy without the walls, which are well worthy 
of record. 

The first took place on the 23d, when tidings having been re- 
ceived, that a number of Mexicans were in the vicinity of the 
Puebla road. Colonel Persifor F. Smith detached from his com- 
mand Lieutenant Roberts, with company C, of the Mounted Rifles, 
with orders to reconnoitre and return. Near the Puente del Me- 
dio, six men were discovered, who displayed a white flag and 
summoned them to surrender. Then it was that he discovered 
several hundred men on the heights, commanding the bridge, the 
former being entrenched, and the latter barricaded with abbatis. 
Finding his force too small to act with effect, he sent back for 
reinforcements. Two hundred men, commanded by Colonel 
Smith in person, soon arrived. 

Lieutenant Roberts was now directed to display in the chapar- 
ral to the right; and, crossing below, turn the left of the enemy; 
while Captain Pope, with two companies, crossed above, and 
41 



308 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

turned their right, the remainder advancing by the road and 
bridge. 

These orders were gallantly carried out. Roberts, from his 
previous knowledge of the ground, was the first to reach the 
enemy. He succeeded in facing their position, when, finding 
themselves charged on all sides, they broke in confusion, and 
■were pursued until sunset. In this skirmish Lieutenants Roberts, 
Maury, and Hatch, were particularly distinguished.* 

The second affair was of a far more important character, and 
may be justly regarded as one of the most brilliant actions of the 
war. 

Learning on the 25th that a considerable force of the enemy 
were in the neighbourhood of the Medellin river, Colonel Harney 
advanced to meet him, taking with him Thornton's dragoons 
under Major Sumner, and some fifty dismounted men, com- 
manded by Captain Ker. 

On reaching the stone bridge of the Morena, he found it forti- 
fied, and all further passage disputed by two thousand men and 
two pieces of artillery. Small parties of lancers were also occa- 
sionally seen. On approaching the bridge, a heavy fire was 
poured upon our skirmishers, by which one man was killed and 
two wounded. Harney then fell back, and waited for tw^o pieces 
of artillery, with which he determined to force the bridge. Mean- 
while he was joined by Captain Hardee with forty men, a com- 
pany of the 1st Tennessee regiment under Captain Cheatham, 
and part of four companies of the 2d Tennessee regiment under 
Colonel Haskell. As soon as the two pieces of artillery under 
Lieutenant Judd arrived, preparations were made for the attack. 
Captain Ker, with the dismounted dragoons, was stationed on 
the left of the road leading to the bridge, the volunteers on the 
right, while Captain Hardee and Lieutenant Hill supported tlie 
artillery, and held themselves in readiness to charge. Major 

'Smith's Report. 



HARNEY S BRILLIANT AFFAIR AT MEDELLIN. 309 

Sumner with the mounted men were kept in reserve. Lieutenant 
Judd was directed to approach with caution, as the road was cir- 
cuitous, and the bridge not visible until within fifty yards of the 
fortification. No sooner was he discovered than the whole fire 
of the Mexicans was concentrated upon him. To divert this, the 
detachments to the right and left of the road were ordered to fire, 
while Lieutenant Judd, nothing daunted, opened upon the forti- 
fication ; and, after six or eight well directed rounds, the heads 
of the enemy were no longer to be seen above the parapet.* 

At this moment Harney ordered a charge, and forward rushed 
the volunteers under Haskell and Cheatham ; and, following with 
a shout, came the bold dragoons. Haskell was the first man to 
clear the parapet. The enemy fell back, and re-formed beyond 
the bridge. Sumner's command now came galloping up, and 
with a wild hurrah they leaped the fortification, and charged 
across the bridge. The Mexican infantry broke and fled, some 
towards Medellin, some into the chaparral. The lancers stood, 
and a hand-to-hand conflict ensued. Sumner and Lieutenant 
Sibley, in the thickest of the melee, several times measured 
strength with the enemy, killing or dismounting their antagonists. 
Harney was seen everywhere ; his tall form and gallant bearing, 
his coolness, and his audacity, won the admiration of his com- 
mand, and struck terror into the enemy. The 2d dragoons, 
the bravest and best disciplined corps in the whole army, parried 
the quivering lance-points with the easy grace and expert swords- 
manship for which they are renowned. The lancers faltered, 
gave way, fled, and were routed so utterly, that Lieutenants 
Lowry and Oaks, with three men, pursued a party of thirty, and 
sabred or dismounted all but five. 

The pursuit was urged to the village of Medellin, where another 
party of lancers were found ; — these, too, soon partook of the 
general panic, and were pursued by Lieutenant Neill, outstripping 

* Harney's Report. 



gjQ HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

his three companions ; but his daring had near cost liim his life. 
The flying foe, ashamed of being chased by one man, turned 
suddenly, and by dint of numbers succeeded in lancing him 
in the breast and arm. The pursuit was urged for two miles 
beyond this, and then the victors rode back to the village. After 
halting to refresh both men and horses, Harney returned with his 
command to camp, which they reached on the morning of the 
26th, after a warlike episode which, in its chivalric character, has 
nothing to compare with it but the series of dashing heroic 
exploits we have yet to record, and of which the action at Me- 
dellin was a fitting forerunner. 

But we have now to notice events of greater magnitude. 
The siege of Vera Cruz was approaching its close. On the 
same day which witnessed the return of Harney, General Scott 
received in answer to his reply to the consuls, overtures of sur- 
render by General Landero, upon whom, owing to the sickness 
of General Morales, the chief command of both city and castle 
had been devolved. 

The Mexican general invited the appointment of three com- 
missioners on each side, to meet at some intermediate point, and 
treat upon the terms of accommodation. 

Generals Worth and Pillow, and Colonel Totten, were according- 
ly appointed on the part of the Americans ; and Colonels Vil- 
lanueva and Herrera, and Lieutenant-Colonel Robles, on the part 
of the Mexicans. After a considerable discussion, and a rejec- 
tion of several of the articles first proposed, articles of capitulation 
were agreed upon and assented to by the respective Commanders- 
in chief. On the 27th the ratification took place. The follow- 
ing are the articles of capitulation : — 

« Generals W. J. Worth and G. J. Pillow, and Colonel J. G. 
Totten, Chief Engineer, on the part of Major-General Scott, Gene- 
ral-in-chief of the armies of the United States ; and Col. Jose Gu- 
tierrez de Villanueva, Lieutenant Colonel of tlie Engineers, Man- 



ARTICLES OF CAPITULATION. 311 

uel Robles, and Colonel Pedro de Herrera, commissioners appoint- 
ed by General-of-brigade Don Jose Juan Landero, commanding 
in chief Vera Cruz, the castle of San Juan d'Ulloa, and their 
dependencies — for the surrender to the armsof the United States 
of the said forts, with their armaments, munitions of war, garri- 
sons, and arms. 

'< 1. The whole garrison, or garrisons, to be surrendered to the 
arms of the United States, as prisoners of war, the 29th inst., at 
ten o'clock, A. M. ; the garrisons to be permitted to march out with 
all the honours of war, and to lay down their arms to such officers 
as may be appointed by the General-in-chief of the United States, 
and at a point to be agreed on by the commissioners. 

" 2. INIexican officers shall preserve their arms and private 
effects, including horse and horse furniture, and to be allowed, regu- 
lar and irregular officers and also to rank and fde, five days to retire 
to their respective homes, on parole, as hereinafter prescribed. 

" 3. Coincident with the surrender, as stipulated in article one, 
the Mexican flags of the various forts and stations shall be struck, 
saluted by their own batteries ; and, immediately thereafter, forts 
Santiago and Conception and the castle of San Juan d'Ulloa, oc- 
cupied by the forces of the United States. 

"4. The rank and file of the regular portion of the prisoners to 
be disposed of, after surrender and parole, as their general-in- 
chief may desire, and the irregular to be permitted to return to 
their homes. The officers, in respect to all arms and descriptions 
of force, giving the usual parole, that the said rank and file, as 
well as themselves, shall not serve again until duly exchanged. 
" 5. All the materiel of war, and all public property of every 
description found in the city, the castle of San Juan d'Ulloa, and 
their dependencies, to belong to the United States ; but the arma- 
ment of the same (not injured or destroyed in the further prosecu- 
tion of the actual war) may be considered as liable to be restored 
to Mexico by a definitive treaty of peace. 



312 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

" 6. The sick and wounded Mexicans to be allowed to remain 
in the city, with such medical officers of the army as may be ne- 
cessary to their care and treatment. 

" 7. Absolute protection is solemnly guarantied to persons in 
the city, and property, and it is clearly understood that no private 
building or property is to be taken or used by the forces of the 
United States, without previous arrangement with the owners, and 
for a fair equivalent. 

" 8. Absolute freedom of religious worship and ceremonies is 
solemnly guarantied." 

On the 29th, the ceremony of surrender occurred. The spot 
chosen for this purpose, was a plain in the rear of the city walls, 
and extending back towards Malibran. The American array 
was drawn up in two lines facing inwards, and extending nearly 
a mile. 

General Worth, who had been appointed to superintend the 
ceremony of capitulation, appeared upon the ground in full uni- 
form. About ten o'clock, the Mexican troops marched out to the 
sound of music, and in their customary military costume and 
equipments ; women and children bearing burdens followed. 
Halted between our lines, the conquered army stacked their arras, 
laid down their colours and equipments, and marched into the 
interior as our troops entered the city. 

Simultaneously with the act of surrender, the American flag 
floated over the plaza, and was saluted by the guns of the city 
and squadron. 

On this memorable day, Scott dated from the Palace of Vera 
Cruz the following despatch to the Secretary of War : 



" Head-Quarters of the Army, 
Vera Cruz, March 29, 1847. 



! 

" Sir : The flag of the United States of America floats tri- 
umphantly over the walls of this city and the castle of San Juan 
d'Ulloa. 



scott's despatch. 313 

« Our troops have garrisoned both since ten o'clock : it is now 
noon. Brigadier-General Worth is in command of the two 
places. 

" Articles of capitulation were signed and exchanged at a late 
hour night before last. I enclose a copy of the document. 

" I have heretofore reported the principal incidents of the siege 
up to the 25th instant. Nothing of striking interest occurred till 
early in tlie morning of the next day, when I received overtures 
from General Landero, on whom General Morales had devolved 
the principal command. A terrible storm of wind and sand made 
it difficult to communicate with the city, and impossible to refer 
to Commodore Perry. I was obliged to entertain the proposition 
alone, or to continue the fire upon a place that had shown a dis- 
position to surrender ; for the loss of a day, or perhaps several, 
could not be permitted. The accompanying papers will show 
the proceedings and results. 

" Yesterday, after the norther had abated, and the commis- 
sioners appointed by me early the morning before had again met 
those appointed by General Landero, Commodore Perry sent 
ashore his second in command. Captain Aulick, as a commissioner 
on the part of the navy. Although not included in my specific 
arrangement made with the Mexican commander, I did not 
hesitate, with proper courtesy, to desire that Captain Aulick might 
be duly introduced and allowed to participate in the discussions 
and acts of the commissioners who had been reciprocally ac- 
credited. Hence the preamble to his signature. The original 
American commissioners were Brevet Brigadier-General Worth, 
Brigadier-General Pillow, and Colonel Totten. Four more able 
or judicious officers could not have been desired. 

" I have to adil but little more. The remaining details of the 
siege — the able co-operation of the United States squadron, suc- 
cessively under the command of Commodores Conner and Perry 
— the admirable conduct of tlie whole army, regulars and volun- 



314 HISTORY OF TlIE AfEXICAN WAR. 

teers — I should be happy to dwell upon as they desen^e ; but the 
steamer Princeton, with Commodore Conner on board, is under 
way, and I have commenced organizing an advance into the in- 
terior. This may be delayed a few days, waiting the arrival of 
additional means of transportation. In the mean time, a joint 
operation, by land and water, will be made upon Alvarado. No 
lateral expedition, however, shall interfere with the grand move- 
ment towards the capital. 

" In consideration of the great services of Colonel Totten, in the 
siege that has just terminated most successfully, and the im- 
portance of his presence at Washington, as the head of the engineer 
bureau, I intrust this despatch to his personal care, and beg 
to commend him to the very favourable consideration of the 
department. 

" I have the honour to remain, sir, with high respect, your 
most obedient servant, 

WINFIELD SCOTT. 

Hon. Wm. L. :Marcy, Secretaiy of War." 

The expedition upon Alvarado determined upon between Scott 
and Perry, was entirely superseded by that vexatious little town 
having surrendered in the meanwhile to Lieutenant Hunter, who, 
in the steamer Scourge, had boldly undertaken on his own re- 
sponsibility the capture of a place which had twice baffled the 
efforts of our navy, owing to the difficulty of crossing the bar, and 
the shallowness of the river upon which it is situated. 

This gallant act of disobedience entailed upon Lieutenant 
Hunter the censure of his superior officers, while it raised him in 
the estimation of the American people. 

The fruits of the capture of Vera Cruz, were five thousand 
)risoners, as many stand of arms, four hundred pieces of ordnance, 
J^nd a large quantity of ordnance stores. 

The prisoners were all set at liberty upon their " parole" not 
to serve again during the war, with the exception of a few who 



EFFECTS OF THE BOMBARDMENT. 315 

had especially distinguished themselves. These General Scott, 
with the chivalric sympathy of a kindred mind, released, not oidy 
without conditions of any kind, but wilii hinji eiiconiiunis upon 
their valour. 

When the American troops entered Vera Cruz, they hecame 
for the first time eye-witnesses of the terrible effects of their shot 
and shells. 

There was scarcely a building in the w'hole city which had 
escaped the unerring precision of our artillery. Many houses 
were totally destroyed, some by fire, some by the bursting of the 
destructive missiles that had fallen upon them. Roofs were 
crushed in, walls rent to their foundations, and the massive stones, 
hurled forcibly from their places, lay in confused heaps, mingled 
with broken shells, and the dead carcasses of horses and mules. 

An intolerable stench pervaded the place, which required the 
incessant efforts of General Worth and his successor Colonel 
Wilson to even partially subdue. 
42 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Scott receives information of the Battle of Buena Vista — The course of Santa Anna 
— Forced Levy attempted by Gomez Farias — Civil War in the Capital — March 
of Santa Anna upon the Capital from San Luis Potosi — He is met by a Deputa- 
tion from the City — Enters Mexico in triumph — Is installed President of the 
Republic — Reconciles conflicting Parlies — Collects a new Army — Fortifies the 
Road to the Capital — Formation of Guerilla Bands — Address of Santa Aima to 
the Mexican People. 

On the 15th of March, two days subsequent to the complete 
investment of Vera Cruz, Scott received information of the won- 
derful victory of Buena Vista, and immediately issued a general 
order apprising his troops of the same. In this order, after con- 
gratulating the army upon this glorious achievement, he hazards 
the opinion, that Santa Anna having already fallen back upon 
San Luis Potosi, would probably not stop short of the capital. 

In this opinion he was correct ; but even his sagacity could 
scarcely have imagined the fatal tenacity with which, notwith- 
standing his late disastrous expedition, the war party in Mexico 
still clung to the fortunes of its favourite chief. 

The false bulletin issued by Santa Anna immediately after that 
great battle, could scarcely have deceived his most credulous ad- 
herents. All must have been aware that, while claiming a vic- 
tory, he retreated in such confusion that his wounded were left to 
the tender mercy of the victor, while his troops were so utterly 
discomfited and disorganized, that thousands deserted by the way. 

Meanwhile, as if under the influence of that madness which the 
ancients imputed to those forsaken of the Gods, while Taylor held 
316 



CIVIL WAR IN THE CAPITAL. 317 

undisputed possession of llie country from Matamoros to Saltillo, 
and Scott was surrounding Vera Cruz with a belt of fire, civil war 
broke out in the capital. 

Gomez Farias, the acting President, having with the authority 
of Congress attempted, by a proposed sale of church property, to 
levy the sum of five millions of dollars for tlio purpose of carrying 
on the war, found himself thwarted by the resistance of the priest- 
hood, and their adherents among the masses, supported by the 
<' guarda nacional," or enrolled militia. These latter raised the 
standard of revolt, and for three weeks the city of Mexico was 
the theatre of one of those disgraceful scenes which have so often 
shamed that turbulent republic. 

Houses were fortified — convents and public offices seized as 
barracks and places of defence — the stones of the streets were 
torn up, and barricades erected ; and then both parties, as if un- 
willing to test their strength in bold and open encounter, retired 
behind their defences, and kept up for many days a desultory 
firing upon each other, with unfortunately less loss to themselves 
than to the unofFending citizens, whom duty or necessity com- 
pelled to be abroad. 

At this juncture, all eyes were again turned upon Santa Anna, 
as to the only man who could reunite the shattered fragments of 
the nation, and perhaps retrieve, by the prestige of a single vic- 
tory, some portion of that glory which seemed to have departed 
for ever. 

How far that able but unscrupulous chief might himself have 
assisted in bringing about this state of things, we have no means 
of knowing. Well versed in all the chicanery which belongs to 
political intrigue, the use of base means, where his own purposes 
were to be served, was not uncommon to Santa Anna ; and to 
act as mediator between parties in a storm of his own raising, 
was a species of diplomacy for which he is known to be well 
qualified. 



318 HISTORY OF THF, MEXICAN WAR. 

We may therefore regard it as certain tiiat he was at least kept 
well advised of the progress of things at the capital, and was 
prepared, at any moment, to act as circumstances might dictate. 

That moment at length arrived. Finding that both parties 
now looked to him for the adjustment of their mutual differences, 
he took leave of his troops, and quitting San Luis Potosi on the 
14th of March, proceeded to the city of Mexico. His progress 
was hailed by the people with enthusiasm. Addresses of confi- 
dence from various states met him by the way. Deputations 
from Congress were sent out to conciliate him. His march was 
as the march of a conqueror, binding and forgiving, dictating and 
dispensing. 

He entered the capital on the 20th, amid the acclamations of 
the multitude; and, on the 23d, was formally installed President 
of the Republic, at Guadalupe Hidalgo. 

• In the general joy elicited by his presence, party animosities 
were hushed, at least for a time, and all seemed disposed to unite 
once more in a vigorous attempt to revive the drooping fortunes 
of the republic. 

Money was subscribed, arms and munitions of war collected, 
the city and its immediate environs placed in a state of the most 
formidable defence, and all the principal points of the route 
between Vera Cruz and the capital — points in themselves offer- 
ing great natural advantages — were so strongly entrenched and 
fortified as to become almost impregnable. 

In addition to this, tlie citizens enrolled themselves for home 
serv'ice, and a new army was rapidly organized under approved 
leaders, while a partisan warfare of guerilla bands was authorized, 
in which no quarter was to be given to those who fell into their 
hands, and the plunder of our trains was to be divided among the 
victors. 

All things being thus satisfactorily arranged. General Santa 



SANTA ANNA S ADDRESS. 319 

Anna assumed command of the army, and previous to leaving 
tlie capital issued the following address to the Mexican people : 

" . Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna^ President ad interim of the Mexi- 
can Republic, to his compatriots. 

"INIkxicans: Vera Cruz is already in the power of the enemy. 
It has succumbed, — not under the influence of American valour, 
nor can it ever be said that it has fallen under the impulses of 
their own good fortune. To our shame be it said, we ourselves 
have produced this deplorable misfortune by our own interminable 
discords. 

'< The truth is due to you from the government; you are the arbi- 
ters of the fate of our country. If our country is to be defended, 
it will be you who will stop the triumphant march of the enemy 
who occupies Vera Cruz. If the enemy advance one step more, 
tlie national independence will be buried in the abyss of the past. 

"I am resolved to go out, and encounter the enemy. What is 
life worth ennobled by the national gratitude, if the country suf- 
fers under a censure the stain of which will rebound upon the 
forehead of every Mexican ! 

" My duty is to sacrifice myself, and I well know how to fulfd 
it! Perhaps tlie American hosts may proudly tread the Imperial 
Capital of Azteca. I will never witness such an opprobrium, for 
I am determined first to die fighting. 

"The momentous crisis is at length arrived to the Mexican Re- 
public. It is as glorious to die fighting, as it is infamous to 
declare oneself conquered without a struggle, and by an enemy 
whose rapacity is as far removed from valour, as from generosity. 

"Mexicans! you have a religion — protect it! you have honour 
— then free yourselves from infamy! You love your wives, your 
children — then liberate them from American brutality. But it 
must be action — not vain entreaty nor barren desires — with which 
the enemy must be opposed. 



•• Vhe natKM\al cause is infinitely just. aUhoUiih Cuvi appt':\rs to 
have abaiuionoil us: but His irt* will bo api>easTvl, whon wo jm^ 
st'ut as an oxpiativMi ot'our onvrstho stM\timon(s ot" a tnu- }nitnot- 
i&iu, an(.l of a sim^'tv univ>n. 

♦« Ihus the Almii::htY will bloss our otVorts, and we will be it»- 
tinoible ! tor, as::^inst the decision ot* eis::ht milHons ot" Mexicans, 
of what a>~ail art^ tlie etl'oils of eigiit or ten millions o\' Aiuoiicans, 
when oppvvsed bv the tiat of Divine Justice? 

•• Terliaps I s}H*ak to \ou for the last time ! T pray you to listen 
to me ! IV not v;u'illate between death and slavery, and if the 
enemy con^juer you, at least they will n\<pect tlie heuMsm of > our 
resistance. It is now time that the common lietcntc sliouUl alone 
CH'cupy vour thoujjhts ! The lunir of sacritice has soimuUhI its 
apprvvich ! Awaken! A tomb opens itst^lf at unir tVct ' Toii- 
quor a laurt»l to repost* on it. 

«• The nation has not yet K^st its vitality I 1 swear to >oii, I 
will answer tor the triumph of Mexico, if unanimous auvl sinceir 
etlort^ on your part second my desirt\s. Happy will have been — 
a thousand times happy — the unfortunate event at \ era C^ru/. if 
tlie destruction of that citv mav have servcil to infuse into the Mexi- 
can brtwst the iliiirnity and ijenerv"«us ai\lour of a true patriotism ! 

"Thus will tlie country have been indubitably sa\cd; but if 
the countn" sviccumb, she will bequeath her opprc>bnum ami her 
censurt^ to those Oi^otists who were not rtwily to iletVnd her — to 
those who traiton>usly pursued tlieir private turmoils to tnunple 
upon the national baiuu^r! 

«« Mexicans ! Your fate is the tate o( the nation ! N\>t the 
Americans, but you will decide her destiny ! Nera Cn\i calls tor 
veni::i'ance ' — tollow me, and wash out the stain o( her ilishonour. 
AN lOMO L01M:Z 1)E SAN rA ANNA. 

Mcxicv, Mareh 31. 1847 '' 



CMAP'IKR XVIJf. 

Hcftll r/ittitnt-.nri-n hm M«rrh O/r r.h»; ''^•pitai — 'l'yu\u.9i* thrown l/iTWHrri in •/ivun'M 
— R«:«/:h«a f'lufi d»:l Ki/* — J« joifi«d hy th*. ('t-.uf:t*\\n-i:\nfA — />.v.rip'i//fi orf 
Cftfro (ifiTtifi — H'y»it AfM-.ttumf.n uptiti Uitnititf thi F'tmti//ti — A tif.w \0>w\ t.ni — 
'I'wiifnttf/riif.f.'i t// iitki: 11(1 hi« l''<iiiti/>rt — In rntt by tJt* Kf)<-.my — (^/tllantry f/f 7th 
Infwniry — hnMinnn (Ainrif/: "i llnfii'-.y'n firif(H(i>: — 'I iif.y '^H^ifif. » Hill in ittf. rtv 
of f It-.rro (i<ifi\ii — Morifit a Hnnizry in ih* Nijfht — Won/J/rrful K**r'i//ri» of th': M'-.n 
—Mortiifin of tin: IHiU of A(»ril — Ht/tit'H ijt.MiXHifA ()i<if^ — P'/siti/yn of ihi« M«x^ 
c«fi* — f'«it(l<; of Cerro (iiuAn — Hi/>Tirniin "f '^"- Htijfhta — Op«:rati//f)ji of Hhi':l/1*'« 
Jtnuntif. — Hbi«;M*rJarii(<rroij>!ly woiinH/:'! — IVrfiiat of thi Kri'sroy — Frui'iiof Vi/rv/ry 
— H</*tt'ii f>.Kpat':h to ih« War \h:[>Ht\.uit:ul — Wf/rth ent/.-rn l'ii«bla. 

In t}i«- f;)r»- of fh'! formiHaM*; ohst^r;|f;« hrrdycA against hirn, 

Scott. i:()U\Ui«-U(:(:i\ \i\H ur>iT<:)\ {(tr \\\f: mAisUiT. 

()u tii«; 8f.h of April, 'YW\\ry,_H K;ff. V»Ta fJruz, taWirij( up thr- line 
of rn arrh by th«; Jalapa roarl, ariH arriv^rrj at Plan rjf.l Rio on the 
1 Itii. '\'\n- nrrxt flay h<f was r«;inforo<;'l by thf; hrigarjf;s of (jciic- 
ralh I'illow anJ ShicMs, anrJ «i)b«w-qij<;ntly joined by a portion of 
t}ie volijrit<«-rs, unfler Major-fytfi<rJil Patter rs<'>n. 

Meanwhile, havinj^ reetrived information that the enerny, to the 
ntjmber of .sixteen thousand rnen, linder the irnrnefJiat/- cornrnanfl 
of Santa Anna, were in the nei(rhbourhood of Cerro fJordo, he or- 
flererj ;j r*-' onnoissanee. 'Ilie report of thir oflieers showed that 
a Huecj-ssion of heights, eaeh efirnrnanrlinj^ the f>t}i*T, had been 
entrenched and fortififd, and the road eiit up and barricaded. 

In the faf;«- of lh«-,se formidable obstacles, Twi((f(s detf-rrnined 
to advance: and preparations wre made to commence tlie at- 
tack on the morninf.^ of the l.'ilh, but the momiri^of the 14th was 

321 



322 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

afterwards a(loi)teil at the solicitations of Generals Pillow and 
Shields, whose commands, tlioui;h desirous of engaging the ene- 
my, were yet too weary from their march, to do it with spirit and 
effect. 

At this juncture, Major-General Patterson, who had been on 
the sick list, reported himself for duty, and assuming the com- 
mand, suspended all farther offensive operations until the arrival 
of the General-in-chief * 

The division of Worth had come up in the meanwhile, and 
shortly afterwards Scott himself reached Plan del Rio, when a 
second and more extended reconnoissance being made, it was 
discovered that a front attack, even if successful, would occasion 
the sacrifice of an immense number of lives, and might possibly 
result in the almost total annihilation of our army. The position 
occupied by the Mexicans was indeed almost impregnable. 

" The road, as it passes the Plan del Rio, which is a wide, 
rocky bed of a once large stream, is commanded by a series of 
high cliffs, rising one above the otlier, and extending several 
miles, and all well fortified. 

" The road then debouches to the right, and curving round the 
ridge passes over a high cliff", which is completely enfiladed by 
forts and batteries. 

" This ridge is the commencement of the 'Tierra Templada,' 
the upper or mountainous country. 

" The high and rocky ra\ine of the river protected the right 
flank of the position, and a series of abrupt and almost impassa- 
ble mountains and ridges crowned their left. 

" Between these two points, running a distance of two or three 
miles, a succession of strongly fortified forts bristled at every 
turn, and seemed to defy all bravery and skill." f 

•Twiggs's Report, April 10, 1847. 

t Correspondent of the New Orleans Delta. 



\V 




■''If 









TWIGGS ORnKRKO TO TAKE UP HIS POSITION. 32^3 

" On the otluT siili', tlie lofty and ditruMilt height of Cerro Gordo 
commandt'd the approaches in all directions."* 

Under these circumstances, Scott determined to turn the posi- 
tion of tlie enemy by cutting a road which, diverging from tiie 
main road, and descending abruptly a deep ravine, should skirt 
the base of the mountains, over rough ground and chaparral, 
" along diilicult slopes and over chasms, out of the enemy's view, 
but reached by his guns when discovered,"! until it should 
debouch on the Jalapa road, and in the rear of the main body 
of the Mexican army. 

This road, after incredible labour, was only partially completed. 
For three days, the working parties succeeded in pushing forward 
unknown to the enemy ; but on the 17th, while approaching the 
Mexican lines, they were discovered and fired upon. Their la- 
bours, however, had been crowned with success, as the Jalapa 
road, though not entirely reached, was known to be within easy 
distance. 

The division of Twiggs was accordingly ordered to advance 
by the new route, and, supported by Shields's brigade of volun- 
teers, turn the enemy's left, and take up the position previously 
designated. In doing this it was necessary to occupy the heights 
in the vicinity- of Cerro Gordo. 

Lieutenant Gardner was accordingly detached with a com])any 
of the 7th infantry, to a height on the left, for the purpose of re- 
connoitring the enemy. Upon observing this movement, a strong 
party of Mexican skirmishers were advanced towards him, sup- 
ported by a reserve of some two thousand men. T'nder this 
severe fire he gallantly maintained his position, iiutil Harney ad- 
vanced to his support with the Rifles under Major Sumner, and 
the Artillery under Colonel Childs. 

Moving rapidly up in line, these regiments reached the sum- 
mit of the hill, drew the fire of the enemy, and charged. For a 
while the ground was obstinately disputed, but nothing could 

* Scott's ofl'icial report, April 23, 1817. + Ibid. 

43 



334 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

withstand the imjietuosity of our troojis. Animated by the 
voice and the exani})le of Harney, and led by Sumner and Chikls, 
tliey forced the Mexicans down the steep, and up and over the 
neighbouring heights. 

On the lieight in front of Cerro Gordo, and under cover of its 
guns, the enemy again made a desperate stand. Here they ima- 
gined themselves secure ; but, through a fierce storm of grape 
and canister, and amid a heavy fire of musketry, the Artillery and 
Rifles dashed forward, stormed the hill and carried it with severe 
loss. 

Three times the [Mexicans rallied, and attempted to retake the 
height, and each time they were successfully beaten back, until 
at length they gave way, thoroughly disorganized, and were pur- 
sued by Colonel Chikls, with a portion of the 1st artillery, till 
they sought shelter within the Tower of Cerro Gordo. 

'Such was the reckless enthusiasm M'ith which this chase up 
tlie steep of Cerro Gordo had been conducted, that upon halting 
his command within one hundred and fifty yards of the Tower, 
Colonel Childs found that he had urged the daring pursuit with 
only sixty followers. 

At this juncture, Major Sumner, while hastening to the support 
of the brave little band, fell severely wounded. Captain INIagru- 
der was more fortunate ; he gallantly dashed through a shower of 
bullets, and with nine of his men succeeded in reaching Colonel 
Childs, when, the recall being sounded, they withdrew I'rom their 
perilous position, and retiring slowly, rejoined the remainder 
of their command, wiUi only men enough to carry back the 
wounded.* 

But there was yet a work to be accomplished, which was des- 
tined to tax the physical energies of tlie men to the point of 
exhaustion. Upon the height thus gallantly captured, a height 
commanding all others with the single exception of Cerro Gordo, 

* Childs's Report, April 20, 1847. 



scott's celebrated order. 325 

a battery consi.stinn- of one 24-poundcr and two 24-pound howit- 
zers was ordered to be planted. 

For this arduous service a thousand men were detaibnl, and 
although the work was commenced at dusk, it occupied the 
greater portion of the night. 

The guns were of immense weight, and had to be lifted up the 
rugged and almost precipitous sides of the mountain by dint of 
main force, the men being divided into two parties of five hun- 
dred men each, and relieving each other by turns. 

At length, however, the work was successfully accomplished ; 
and pickets being placed, the weary soldiers threw themselves 
down upon the rocky crest of the captured hill, and sought a 
brief, but imperfect repose. 

Thus far, then, the admirable arrangements of the General-in- 
chief had been successfully carried out, and the division of 
Twiggs being reported in position, Scott now^ issued the following 
confident and prophetic onh-r: 

"General Orders, No. 111. 

" Hkau-Quaktees of the Army. ^ 
Plan del Rio, April ]7/l847. ) 

<' The enemy's whole line of entrenchments and batteries will be 
attacked in front, and at the same time turned, early in the day, 
to-morrow — probably before ten o'clock, A. M. 

" The second (Twiggs's) division of regulars is already ad- 
vanced within easy turning distance towards the enemy's left. That 
division has instructions to move forward before daylight to-mor- 
row, and take up a position across the national road in the ene- 
my's rear, so as to cut ofTa retreat towards Xalapa. It may be 
reinforced to-day, if unexpectedly attacked in force, by regiments 
— one or two taken from Shields's brigade of volunteers. If not, 
tlie two volunteer regiments will niarcli for that purpose at day- 
liixht to-morrow morning, under lirigadier-General Shields, who 
will report to Brigadier-General Twiggs, on getting up with him, 
or to the General-in-chief, if he be in advance. 



;W6 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

"The remaining regiment of that volunteer brigade will receive 
instructions in the course of this day. 

" The first division of regulars (Worth's) will follow the move- 
ment against the enemy's left at sunrise to-morrow morning. 

" As already arranged, Brigadier-General Pillow's brigade will 
march at six o'clock to-morrow morning along the route he has 
carefully reconnoitred, and stand ready as soon as he hears the 
report of arms upon our right, or sooner if circumstances should 
favour him, to pierce the enemy's line of batteries at such point — 
the nearer the river the better — as he may select. Once in the 
rear of that line, he will turn to the right or left, or both, and 
attack the batteries in reverse ; or, if abandoned, he will pursue 
the enemy with vigour until further orders. 

" Wall's field battery and the cavalry will be held in reserve 
on the national road, a little out of view and range of the enemy's 
batteries. They will take up that position at nine o'clock in the 
morning. 

" The enemy's batteries being carried or abandoned, all cm- 
divisions and corps will pursue with vigour. 

" This pursuit may be continued many miles, until stopped by 
darkness, or fortified positions towards Xalapa, Consequently, 
the body of the army will not return to this encampment, but be 
followed to-morrow afternoon, or early the next morning, by the 
baggage-trains of the several corps. For this purpose, the feebler 
officers and men of each corps will be left to guard its camp and 
effects, and to load up the latter in the wagons of the corps. A 
commander of the present encampment will be designated in the 
course of this day. 

"As soon as it shall be known that the enemy's works have 
been carried, or that the general pursuit has been commenced, 
one wagon for each regiment and battery, and one for the cavalry, 
will follow the movement, to receive, under the direction of the 




BRIG. GEN. DAVID E. TWIGGS 



MORNING OF THK EIGIITRKNTH OF APRIL. ."^-JT 

medical ofTKCis, tlie wounded and disal)led, who will bo brouglit 
back to this jilace for treatment in general hospital. 

" The Surn;eon-General will organize this important servire 
and designate that hospital, as well as the medical officers to be 
left at it. 

" Every man who marches out to attack or pursue the enemy, 
will take the usual allowance of ammunition, and subsistence for 
at least two days. 

By command of Major-General Scott, 

H. L. SCOTT;^. a. Ji. General:' 

The morning of the 18th rose bright and beautifid. The sun 
rode up the clear, deep, cloudless blue, ascending through an 
atmosphere of such transparent purity, as rendered remote objects 
sharply distinct, and confounded to unaccustomed eyes the idea 
of distance. 

A gentle, cooling breeze swept over the hill-tops, and fanned 
the parched lips of the fevered watchers of both armies, whose 
eyes were now bent eagerly upon each other, waiting the signal 
which should impel them from the opposing heights, to meet in 
close and deadly conflict. 

The division of Twiinrs, whose gallantry on the preceding 
day had elicited that old veteran's unqualified admiration, was 
now to go forth again into the hottest of the battle. 

To the brave regulars of the First Brigade was committed the 
perilous duty of storming the tower of Cerro Gordo, the success 
or failure of which enterprise would stamp the orders of the 
General-in-chief with the spirit of prophecy, or cause them to 
a])pear in the annals of history as the vainglorious production 
of an over-confident man. 

During this attack wj)on the key position, the Second Brigade 
under Riley, and the volunteers under Shields, were to press for- 
ward in the direction of the enemy's left, over rough and rugged 



328 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

ways, and through the thorny chaparral which intervened between 
the newly cut road, and the plain in the rear of the mountain. — 
The object of this movement was to seize the Jalapa road, and 
prevent the escape of the fugitives. 

The division of Worth was ordered to support the storming 
party, while that of Pillow operated upon the strong river bat- 
teries upon the right. Upon the columns of Twiggs and Pillow, 
therefore, the fiercest brunt of tlie battle would necessarily fall ; 
but, upon the results achieved by the former mainly depended 
the fortune of the day. Cerro Gordo was the key position, over- 
topping and commanding all others, and, that once taken, the 
river batteries to be assaulted by Pillow, though almost impracti- 
cable when attacked in front, were comparatively valueless as 
means of defence, whenever the position should be effectually 
turned, and Cerro Gordo in possession of its conquerors. 

But the effect of the capture of Cerro Gordo did not end here. 
Not only would the river batteries be rendered ineffective, but also 
the ascending series of forts and breastworks, all of which were 
commanded by the tower. 

The movement of Pillow was more for the purpose of diverting 
the attention of the enemy from the storm of Cerro Gordo, than 
Irom any great result which was likely to ensue otherwise; and, 
if this succeeded, the object of the General-in-chief would be 
gained, even though Pillow should be beaten back with severe 
loss, as happened to be subsequently the case. 

Through the desertion of a German soldier from our ranks, on 
the evening of the 17th, General Santa Anna obtained early in- 
formation of the plan of attack as arranged for the morrow, and 
strengthened his left accordingly. In order to protect his front 
and riglit, General La Vega, previously known as a most gallant 
and efficient officer, supposing Cerro Gordo secure from assault, 
exchanged command of the latter willi General Vasquez, and 



BATTLE OF CF.RRO GORDO. 329 

souy-ht, by his presonce in the river batteries, to animate tlie 
defenders to a successful resistance. 

Througliout tlie nigiit of the 17th, tliere were eight tliousand 
Mexicans lying upon and around the dilTerent heights, protected 
by breastworks and fortifications, and furtlier secured from direct 
assault, by deep ravines, and almost precipitous rocks, up whose 
steep sides they imagined a man would scarcely dare to climb. 

In addition to the force thus formidably posted, there was a 
reserve of six thousand men encamped upon the plain in the rear 
of Cerro Gordo, and close to the Jalapa road. 

These troops, under the immediate command of General Santa 
Anna, were posted so as to be within supporting distance of any 
point upon or among the heights, that might be most exposed to 
danger from a vigorous assault. 

The American force did not exceed eight thousand men. 

At break of dav, the second division was ordered to prepare 
for battle, and the cc.imand was obeyed with a (piiet fearlessness 
that augured well for the success of their heroic efforts. 

The battery planted with so much difficulty upon the crest of 
the captured hill now opened its fire upon Cerro Gordo, which 
was returned by a i)lunging fire of grape and canister. 

Meanwhile, Harney was organizing his storming party. This 
consisted of the 7th infantry under Lieutenant-Colonel Plympton, 
the Rifles under Major Loring, four companies of the 1st artillery 
under Colonel Childs, and six companies of the 3d infantry under 
Captain Alexander. 

All of these, composing the forlorn hope, were regulars ; picked 
men, daring and resolute. Many of them were veterans who had 
passed not unscathed through the desperate battles of Palo Alto 
and the Palm llavine, and the slill more deadly storm of Monte- 
rev. Now they were about to wrestle with a danger, jierhaps 
more imminent than any they had hitherto encountered. 

They were to advance in the face of an enemy confident in the 



330 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

strength of his defences — in the face of a plunging fire from the 
Tower of Ccno Gordo — in defiance of the enemy's reserve 
thrown forward as a succouring force — over barricades bristling 
with musketry, up steep rocks, several hundred feet in height, 
and over and into the Tower of Cerro Gordo, itself filled with 
armed men outnumbering their assailants, and protected by a 
well directed fire from guns served by the ablest artillerists of the 
nation, yet not a man faltered. 

Forming the 7th Infantry on the right, the 3d on the left, and 
the Artillery in the rear, Harney detached the Rifles to check a 
large force of the enemy hastening to the support of Cerro Gordo, 
and, without waiting for the fire of his skirmishers, ordered the 
charge to sound. 

And now, down rushed those daring men through a storm of 
grape and canister, and musketry. 

They descended the hill — they crossed the ravine ; and, ^vith 
a shout, commenced clambering the terrible height. Looking 
back from its base, they recognise on the crest of the hill they 
have so lat-ely quitted, the tall form of the General-in-chief. He 
has come to witness the exploit which is to determine the fate of 
the day, and, as he beholds the men clinging to, and surmount- 
ing the rocks, in every direction — each eager to be first, regardless 
of his exposure to the fierce fire continually poured upon them ; 
as he sees a part of them form a little distance from the base of 
the hill ; and, led by the intrepid Harney, carry the interposing 
breastwork at the point of the bayonet, in defiance of its resolute 
defenders; and as he hears, in the ravine below, the brave Rifles, 
already baptized in blood, sustaining, with a courage never 
surpassed, a galling fire in front and upon both flanks from en- 
trenchments and batteries, and yet keeping the succouring force 
at bay, while their comrades ascend the height, he feels that the 
agonizing suspense which intervenes between the projecting of a 
perilous exploit and its successful execution, is gradually sub- 







//w/ 



"^W-- 



Jil !| 



STORMING OF THK IirJGIITS. 331 

siding into a calm confulcnoe that witli siu'li men, and led l)y 
suidi oiricors, vit'tory is as certain as that the sun shines, or the 
water flows. 

Nor \vas tliis confidence misplaced. Onward they rushed, im- 
pelled by the double consciousness, that the eyes of the General- 
in-chief were upon tiiem, and of the terrible consequences that 
would follow a disastrous issue. Harney led the way, — con- 
spicuous above all others by his full military uniform, and his 
commanding stature. Waving his sword, and calling on his 
men to follow, he rapidly ascended, in full view of the enemy, 
while his cheering voice infused into the breasts of his command 
the same energy and dauntless entiiusiasm which animated his 
own. 

It was a race for glorious renown, wherein each strove to be 
foremost. The front ranks fell, but the survivors still pressed on ; 
and still, above the thunder of the war, rose high, distinct, and 
clear, the voice of their intrepid leader. 

Near the crest of the hill, and encircling the Tower, another 
breastwork was to be carried. It was done ; — and then, swarm- 
ing up the walls of the fort, they bayoneted the artillerists at 
their guns, and drove the desperate enemy from his central de- 
fence down the steep sides of the hill, in utter and irremediable 
rout. 

Lieutenant Ewell, the first to mount the breastworks, here fell 
mortally wounded. Lieutenant Van Dorn killeil two Mexican 
soldiers with his own hands. Captain Magruder promptly turned 
the captured guns upon the flying foe. Sergeant Henry of the 
7th infantry hauled down the Mexican standard, — while almost 
simultaneously with the scaling of the walls, the colours of the 1st 
artillery and the 3d and 7th infantry were planted upon th( in 
amidst the deafening cheers of the conquerors. Such was the 
famous storming of Cerro Gordo. 

In a little while, having been delayed by the rugged character 
44 



332 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

of the route it had to traverse, Worth's division arrived, and 
shortly afterwards, the nearest batteries below surrendered. 

The remainder of the division of Twiggs was equally suc- 
cessful. 

The Second Brigade, under Riley, after moving some distance 
on tlie enemy's left, cleared the foot of the ridge, which was 
infested with their skirmishers, and then attacked the reverse of 
Cerro Gordo, gaining the crown of the hill at the same moment 
that the First Brigade reached it from the front. After the capture, 
both brigades joined in the pursuit. 

The volunteers, under Shields, were moving upon the extreme 
left of the enemy. U])on approaching the Jalapa road, a battery 
of five pieces was discovered, in front, supported by a large force 
of cavalry and infantry. 

While forming his men for the attack. Shields fell dangerously 
wounded, and Colonel Baker of the Illinois reffiraent assumino: 
the command, charged the enemy's lines, supported by the 3d 
and part of the 4th Illinois volunteers, under Harris and Fal- 
man, and the New York regiment, under Colonel Burnett, when 
the enemy, already disheartened by the fall of Cerro Gordo, and 
being threatened at the same time by a detachment of the 2d 
infantry, u])on his right, after a few random shots scattered in all 
directions, leaving his guns, baggage, specie, provisions, and 
camp equipage, in the hands of the victors. 

On the enemy's right. Pillow was less fortunate. After encoun- 
tering many obstacles and delays, he took up his position in front 
of the river batteries, and atteiiii)lc(l to carry them by assault ; but 
a murderous enfilading fire opening upon him, he was comi)elled 
to fall back with considerable loss. 

A second time he attempted the assault, with a storming force 
composed of the 2d Tennessee regiment, and a company each 
from Pennsylvania and Kentucky, ail under the command of 
Colonel Haskell, an officer alreatly distinguished by his «--allant 




BRIG. GEN JA1.1E3 SHIELDS. 



BATTLE OF CKRRO GORDO. 333 

conduct in tlie nlTair at Modi'lliu. This coluinn, aflfi' luivino- sus- 
tained itself under a tiallinti; fire of oTape and musketry until the 
Tennessee res^inient \vas nearly annihilated, and the supporting 
companies proi)ortionably shattered, was also Avithdrawn beyond 
the range of the enemy's guns. 

Pillow then organized his command for a third attack ; but in 
the meanwhile Cerro Gortlo had fallen, antl General La ^ ega, 
finding himself threatened from the Tower, and cut oflf from all 
support, surrendered himself, with three thousand men, prisoners 
of war. 

The battle was now ended. On the other side of the mountain 
Generals Santa Anna, Almonte, and Canalizo, with eight thou- 
sand men, were already in full retreat, and the pursuit of the 
fugitives commenced. 

Harney's dragoons, with Worth's division of regulars, dashed 
forward in advance. The brigades of Twiggs, Shields, and Riley 
soon followed, and from mid-day until set of sun the pursuit was 
urged with an energy that not only left the Hying JNIexicans no 
time to rally, but broke and dispersed them utterly. 

At length the wearied victors halted at various distances along 
the rational road, the furthest in advance being within ten miles 
of the beautiful city of Jalapa, and fifteen from the scene of action. 
The fruits of this glorious victory were three thousand prisoners, 
between four and five thousand stand of arras, forty-three pieces 
of splendid bronze artillery of large calibre, mostly manufactured 
at the Royal Foundry of Seville, and a large quantity of fixed 
ammunition of superior quality. 

Our loss during the two days, was sixty-three killed, and three 
hundred and ninety-eight wounded. That of the enemy was 
supposed to be, in killed and woinuled, nearly twelve hundred. 

'I'he appearance of the battle-field, as described by an eye- 
witness, was a])palling to the sight. 

" A dragoon we encountered on the way kindly olTered to be 



334 HISTORY OF THK MEXICAN WAR. 

our guide, and from him we learned the positions of the different 
armies, their divisions and subdivisions. As winding around the 
hills by the national road, the enemy's entrenchments, their bar- 
ricaded heights, strong forts, and well defended passes came in 
view, we halted, and gazed for several moments in mute amaze- 
ment. No one, from reading the newspaper accounts or the 
reports of the generals, can form a proper idea of the advantages 
possessed by the enemy in his chosen position. The battle, I 
knew, had been fought and won by our troops ; yet it seemed, 
in its bare, still reality, a dream. I could not shake off" this feel- 
ing as I rode along the enemy's lines of entrenchments, entered 
his dismantled forts and magazines, and looked from his chosen 
heights upon the paths up which our troops rushed into the jaws 
of death. # # # # ^ # 

<' Passing down the ravine where the National Guard had three 
times attempted to dislodge the mounted riflemen, who, supported 
by the howitzer battery, literally rained death among their ranks, 
I was obliged to turn back and retrace my steps. The gorge was 
choked up with the mangled bodies of the flower of the Mexican 
army. The wolf-dog and the buzzard howled and screamed as I 
rode by, and the stench was too sickening to be endured. Return- 
ing to the national road, we passed a large number of cannon 
taken by our troops, and saw piles of muskets, charred with fire, 
in heaps, where they had been heaped and burned. * * * * 

" All along the road were the bodies of Mexican lancers and 
tlieir horses, cut down by Colonel Harney's dragoons, when these 
fire-eaters chased Santa Anna and his retreating troops into and 
beyond Jalapa. Almost every man's skull was literally split open 
with the sabres of our horsemen, and they lay stretched upon the 
ground in ghastly groups." 

From the old camp at Plan del Rio, where he had established 
his hospital for the sick and wounded, Scott forwarded to the 
Department of War the following despatch : — 



SCOTT S DESPATCH. 335 

" IIead-Qiarters of the Ak.my, 
Plan del Rio, ;')0 miles from Vera Cruz, 
April 19, 1847. 
" Sir : The })lan of attack, sketched in General Orders, No. 

Ill, forwarded lierewith, was finely executed by this gallant army, 

before two o'clock, P. M., yesterday. We are quite embarrassed 

with the results of victory — prisoners of war, heavy ordnance, 

fiekl batteries, small arms, and accoutrements. 

" About 3,000 men laid down their arms, with the usual pro- 
portion of field and company officers, besides five generals, seve- 
ral of them of great distinction — Pinzon, Jarrero, La Vega, No- 
riega, and Obando. A sixtli general, Vasquez, was killed in 
defending the battery (tower) in the rear of the whole Mexican 
army, the capture of which gave us those glorious results. 

" Our loss, though comparatively small in numbers, has been 
serious. Brigadier-General Shields, a commander of activity, 
zeal, and talent, is, I fear, if not dead, mortally wounded. He is 
some five miles from me at the moment. The field of operations 
covered many miles, broken by mountains and deep chasms, and 
I have not a report, as yet, from any division or brigade. 

" Twiggs's division, followed by Shields's (now Colonel Baker's) 
brigade, are cow at or near Xalapa, and Worth's division is in 
route thither, all pursuing, with good results, as I learn, that part 
of the Mexican army — perhaps six or seven thousand men — who 
had fled before our right had carried the tower, and gained the 
Xalapa road. 

" Pillow's brigade alone, is near me at this depot of wounded, 
sick, and prisoners; and I have time oidy to give from him the 
names of 1st Lieutenant F. B. Nelson, and 2d C. G. Hill, both 
of the 2d Tennessee foot (Haskell's regiment), among the killed, 
and in tiie brigade 106, of all ranks, killed or wounded. 

" Among the latter, the gallant brigadier-general himself has 
a smart wound in the arm, out not disabled ; and Major R. Far- 
queson, 2d Tennessee, Captain H. F. Murray, 2d Lieutenant G. 



336 HISTORY OF TIIK MEXICAN WAR. 

T. Sutherland, 1st Lieutenant W. P. Hale, Adjutant, all of the 
same regiment, severely, and 1st Lieutenant W. Yearwood, mor- 
tally wounded. And I know, from personal observation on the 
ground, that 1st Lieutenant Ewell, of the Rifles, if not now dead, 
was mortally wounded in entering, sword in hand, the entrench- 
ments around the captured tower. 

" 2d Lieutenant Derby, topographical engineers, I also saw, at 
the same place, severely wounded, and Captain Patten, 2d United 
States infantry, lost his right hand.* Major Sumner, 2d United 
States dragoons, was slightly wounded the day before, and Cap- 
tain Johnston, topographical engineers (now lieutenant-colonel 
of infantry), was very severely wounded some days earlier, while 
reconnoitring. I must not omit to add, that Captain JMason, and 
2d Lieutenant Davis, both of the Rifles, were among the very se- 
verely wounded in storming the same tower. 

"I estimate our total loss, in killed and wounded, maybe 
about 250, and that of the enemy at 350. f In the pursuit towards 
Xalapa (25 miles hence), I learn we have added much to the 
enemy's loss in prisoners, killed, and wounded. In fact, I sup- 
pose his retreating army to be nearly disorganized, and hence my 
haste to follow, in an hour or two, to profit by events. 

" In this hurried and imperfect report I must not omit to say, 
that Brigadier-General Twiggs, in passing the mountain-range 
beyond Cerro Gordo, crow^ned with the tower, detached from his 
division, as I suggested the day before, a strong force to carry 
that height, which commanded the Xalapa road at the foot, and 
could not fail, if carried, to cut off the whole, or any part of the 
enemy's forces from a retreat in any direction. 

" A portion of the 1st artillery, under the often-distinguished 
Brevet-Colonel Childs ; the 3d infantry, under Captain Alexander ; 

* The General is in error ; it was a portion of his left hand Captain Patten lost, 
t A very inaeruratc estimate — our loss was 431, killed and wounded ; that of the 
enemy nearly 1200. See data. 




WAJ (^TX rjITEON J. FALLOW 



Scott's despatch. ^-H 

thf Till infantry, under Lioutf;narit-Co!onfl Plymton ; and llie Rifles, 
under Major Loriiif;, all under the temporary command of (Jolonel 
Harney, 2(1 draf^oons, diirinr^ tlie confinement to his hc-d of Brevet 
Brif^adier-General P. F. Smith, composed that detachment. Tlie 
style of execution, which I had the pleasure to witness, was most 
brilliant and decisive. 

<' The hrifjade asf:ended the lonf( and difficult slo[)e of Cerro 
Gordo, without shelter, and under the trernendoiis fire of artillery 
and musketry, with th(; utmost steadiness, reached the breast- 
works, drove the enemy from them, jiianted the colours of the 1st 
artillery, .3d and 7th infantry — the enemy's flag still flying — and, 
after some minutes' sharp firing, finished the conquest with the 
bayonet. 

" Ji is a most pleasing duty to say that the highest praise is 
due to Harney, Childs, Plymton, Loring, Alexanrler, their gallant 
ofTicers anrl men, for this brilliant service, independent of the 
great results which soon followed. 

"Worth's division of regulars coming up at this time, he 
detached Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel C. F. Smith, with his light 
battalion, to support the assault, but not in time. The general 
reaching the tower a few minutes before me, and observing a 
white flag displayed from the nearest portion of the enemy towards 
the batteries below, sent out Colonels Harney and Childs to hold 
a parley. The surrender followed in an hour or two.* 

" Major- Ceneral Patterson left a sick-berl to share in the dan- 
gers anfl fatigues of the day ; and after the surrender went forward 
to command the advanced forces towards Xalapa. 

"Brigadier-General Pillow and his brigade twice assaulted with 
great daring the enemy's line of batteries on our left, and though 
wilhout success, they contributed much to distract and dismay 
their immediate opponents. 

«' President Santa Anna, with Generals Canalizo and Almonte, 

• These were the baiierieB commanded by General Pinzon, a mulatto officer. 



338 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN AVAR. 

and some six or eight thousand men escaped towards Xalapa just 
before Cerro Gordo was carried, and before Twiggs's division 
reached the national road above. 

" I liave determined to ])arole the prisoners — officers and men 
— as I have not the means of feeding them here beyond to-day, 
and cannot afford to detach a heavy body of horse and foot, with 
wagons, to accompany them to Vera Cruz. Our baggage-train, 
though increasing, is not half large enough to give an assured 
progress to this army. 

"Besides, a greater number of prisoners would, probably, 
escape from the escort, in the long and deep sandy road, without 
subsistence — ten to one — than we shall find again, out of the same 
body of men, in the ranks opposed to us. Not one of the Vera 
Cruz prisoners is believed to have been in the lines of Cerro 
Gordo. Some six of the officers, highest in rank, refuse to give 
their paroles, except to go to Vera Cruz, and thence, perhaps, to 
the United States. 

" The small-arms and accoutrements, being of no value to our 
army here, or at home, I have ordered them to be destroyed ; for we 
have not the means of transporting them. I am, also, somewhat 

embarrassed with the pieces of artillery,* all bronze, which 

we have captured. It would take a brigade, and half the mules 
of our army, to transport them fifty miles. 

"A field-battery I shall take for service with the army ; but 
the heavy metal must be collected, and left here for the present. 
We have our own siege-train and the proper carriages with us. 

" Being much occupied with the prisoners, and all the details 
of a forward movement, besides looking to the supplies which are 
to follow from Vera Cruz, I have time to add no more — intending 
to be at Xalapa early to-morrow. We shall not, probably, again 
meet with serious opposition this side of Perote — certainly not, 
unless delayed by the want of the means of transportation 

* Forty-three. 



WORTH ENTERS PUEBLA. 339 

"I have the honour to remain, sir, witli high respect, your 

most obedient servant, 

WINFIELD SCOTT. 

Hon. W.M. L. jNIarcy, Secretary of War." 

The complete rout at Cerro Gordo opened the way to Jalapa. 
The partially completed defences of the La Iloya pass, offered no 
molestation to the march of our troops. On the 19th, the day 
succeeding the battle, the division of Twiggs was in undisputed 
possession of Jalapa, while Worth's division pushed on to Perote, 
and captured the town and castle without resistance ; receiving 
at the hands of Colonel Velasquez, the commissioner appointed 
to surrender them by the Mexican government, the following 
arms and munitions of war: — "Fifty-four guns and mortars, 
iron and bronze, of various calibres, in good service condition, — 
eleven thousand and sixty-five cannon-balls, fourteen thousand 
tliree hundred bombs and hand-grenades, and five hundred 
muskets."* 

Here Worth rested, and recruited his command. After re- 
maining for about two weeks, he again resumed his line of march, 
and on the 15th of May, accompanied by Quitman's brigade of 
volunteers, entered the city of Puebla, with no more opposition 
than a slight skirmish, near Amosoque, distant about twelve 
miles from the city. There his progress had been threatened by 
a force of about three thousand cavalry, under General Santa 
Anna ; but a few discharges from the light artillery, dismounting 
some ninety of the enemy, sufficed to clear the way, and by ten 
o'clock the next morning, the division, numbering four thousand 
men, stacked their arms in the Grand Plaza. 

* Worih's Report, Perote, April 22, 1847. 

45 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Astonishment of the Puehlanos — Appearance of the American Troops — Their 
Characteristics — Embarrassing Position of the General-in-chief — Discharge of 
the twelve months Volunteers — Prospects of Peace — Mexican Affairs — Defiance 
of the Mexican Congress — Proclamation of General Salas — Anaya declares the 
Capital in a state of Siege — Coalition of the Mexican States — Scott's Address to 
the Mexican People — Feeling of the United States Government — Buchanan's 
Letters — American Commissioner appointed — Mexico refuses to Treat — Con- 
dition of the American Army — Arrival of Reinforcements. 

Nothing could exceed the astonishment of the citizens of Pue- 
bla, at witnessing the entrance of the small force of four thousand 
American troops, one-half of -whom were raw, and only partially 
disciplined volunteers, into the midst of a hostile population of 
eighty thousand souls. 

The false and exaggerated reports which had been circulated 
throughout the interior of Mexico, in regard to the ferocious 
prowess of the North Americans, — their gigantic stature — their 
cannibal propensities, and their wonderful skill in arms, had dis- 
posed the more imaginative of the Pueblanos to expect the 
arrival of a body of men far different in personal appearance 
from those who marched with quiet confidence into their midst. 
Great, indeed, was the wonder of the citizens to find, that in 
stature and apparent physical strength, the conquerors were not 
superior to the conquered ; that the arms of the Anglo-Americans 
were plain and unpretending, their equipments indifferent in the 
extreme, and themselves apparently worn down with the fatigue 
c( a long march, the sickliness of the country tlirough which they 

340 



THE AMERICAN TROOPS. 341 

had passed, and the alternations of heat and cold to which they 
had been constantly exposed. 

The undaunted courage, and indomitable resolution, which 
had made every man a hero, could not be exaggerated. The 
commonest soldier in om- armies fought as if the fate of the battle 
and the fortunes of his country rested upon his single arm. 

The battles won by Taylor and Scott, from Palo Alto to Cerro 
Gordo, are as much instances of individual daring, as of fine 
military skill. 

To us it appears as if they present a new and terrible feature 
in warfare — terrible from its very ef!(:'ctiveness — the combination 
of the individual heroism of the old chivalric era, with the warlike 
science of modern times. 

In European warfare, men are still considered as mere ma- 
chines, to be impelled or withdrawn as the science of the com- 
mander shall dictate. The sentiments of a pure patriotism, as 
acting upon and stimulating the gallantry of the soldier, are but 
little regarded, while thought, genius, ability, or a quick percep- 
tion in the masses, are considered as obstacles to success rather 
than calculated to promote it. The perfection of the art has been 
hitherto supposed to consist in a blind unreasoning obedience — 
the accuracy of mechanism in military evolutions, and a perfect 
knowledge of the manual. 

But, unfortunate indeed would tliat general be, who should 
attempt to snatch a victory from the grasp of the Anglo-American 
by means of the present continental system of military tactics. 

Enthusiastic in temperament, and elastic under reverses — ac- 
customefl to a life of hardihood and adventure — familiar from 
childhood with the use of arms — pressing forward continually to 
the outskirts of civilization, whence he has often to repel savage 
incursions, and often obliged to maintain his own rights by his 
own hand, in states and territories thinly settled, where the force 
of law is many times administered with difTiculty or inefficient in 



342 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

its operation, the Anglo-American has learned, in a severe school, 
the benefits of self-reliance, and the good results which never fail 
to follow the strong will, supported by a corresponding energy. 

The system of volunteer training has also been of service ; so 
tliat, while retaining much that is really useful in modern military 
science, and acting when necessary under its strictest rules, he still 
maintains an independence of thought and action which enables 
him to cope successfully with dangers from which no mere skill 
could extricate him, and to win battles after science has pro- 
nounced them irrecoverably lost. 

While Worth took possession of the hills commanding Puebla, 
and accumulated supplies, the General-in-chief, still at Jalapa, 
found himself placed in a situation of the utmost embarrassment. 

Of the twenty-three regiments of twelve months volunteers 
called out by the President in May and June 1846, seven regiments 
were with Scott, and the period for which they enlisted was now 
about to expire. 

By the abstraction of these forces, honourably discharged and 
amounting to nearly three thousand men, the army was so greatly 
reduced that the General-in-chief found himself compelled to await 
for reinforcements before he could resume oflfensive operations. 

It is true, that the spirit of the Mexican array appeared to 
have become completely paralyzed by the terrible defeat of Cerro 
Gordo, but the main body, which escaped with Santa Anna and 
Almonte, amounting to eight thousand men, still remained as a 
nucleus around which many yet eager and untried spirits might 
rally. 

The prospects of peace also seemed further off than ever. In- 
dignant under their repeated disasters, the cry of the Mexican 
people was still for vengeance. The chief papers of the capital 
and departments of Mexico, teemed with appeals to the honour 
and patriotism of the nation, and every effort which a feeble 



DEFIANCE OF THE MEXICAN CONGRESS. 343 

government could exert, was made to induce the people to rise 
" C72 masse'''' and exterminate their invaders. 

On the 20th of Aprd, the Mexican Congress passed a series of 
resolutions, the preamble to which is as follows : — 

«' The Sovereign Constitutional Congress of Mexico, in use of 
the full powers with which it has been invested by the people of 
the republic for the sacred object of preserving its nationality, and 
faithful interpreters of the firm determination of their constituents 
to carry on tlie war which the government of the United States is 
waging against the nation, without losing courage at any kind of 
reverses, and considering that in these circumstances, the first 
public necessity is to preserve a centre of union, to direct the 
national defence with all the energy wliich the state of things 
demands, and to avoid even the danger of a revolutionary power 
arising to dissolve the national union and destroy its institutions, 
or to consent to dismember its territory, has decreed the following." 

The first resolution asserts the power of the supreme govern- 
ment " to take the necessary measures to carry on the war, defend 
the nationality of the republic, and to save the republican form 
of government, popular and federal, under which the nation is 
constituted." 

The second resolution, in explanation of the true intent and 
meaning of the first, states that " the foregoing article does not 
authorize the Executive to make a peace with the United States, 
conclude negotiations with foreign powers, nor alienate the whole 
or a part of the territory of the republic." 

J The fourth article declares null antl illegal "all treaties and 
arrangements made betw^een the United States and any authority 
who should substitute itself for the supreme powers legplly 
established." 

And in the fifth, every individual is denounced as a traitor, 
"who, either in his ))rivate capacity or as a public officer, either 
privately, or invested with any incompetent authority, or of rcvo- 



344 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

lutionary origin, shall treat \vith the government of the United 
States." 

It is sufficiently evident from the above action of Congress, that 
great distrust had entered the public mind after the repeated 
reverses which the nation had suffered. The sincerity of Santa 
Anna was doubted, and fears were entertained that he would 
make peace with the invaders, on terms which should not only 
yield Texas to the conquerors, but dismember a portion of the 
republic. 

Congress also entertained a suspicion that the priesthood, 
alarmed by their attempt to appropriate to the uses of the govern- 
ment a portion of the revenues of the church, were engaged in 
intrigues, which had for their object the overthrow of the govern- 
ment and the establishment of royalty, either in the person of 
Santa Anna himself, Paredes, or some continental prince. Fear- 
ful of these attempts, they sought to intimidate them by a course 
of action which showed they w^ere cognizant of the designs enter- 
tained, and which should check theni if attempted. 

In strict accordance with the defiant resolves of Congress, on 
the following day General Salas issued a proclamation to the citi- 
zens, in which he exhorts them to unite at general head-quarters, 
and enroll themselves as guerrilleros for the purpose of attacking 
and destroying the invaders in every manner imaginable. "War 
without pity unto death!" he continues, "will be the motto of the 
guerrilla warfare of vengeance."* 

On the first of May, Anaya, the President ad interim, declared 
the city of Mexico in a state of siege, assigning as his reason the 
necessity of providing for the defence of the capital and the com- 
mon defence of the nation against the enemy. 

On the 6di, following out the above proclamation. General Bravo, 
Commander-in-chief of the Army of the Centre, issued a decree, 
wherein all Mexicans between the ages of sixteen and sixty are 

* Extracts from El Monitor. 



Scott's address to the Mexicans. 345 

called upon to enroll themselves for tiie defence ot the capital, 
under the penalty of being considered as traitors, and treated as 
such, in the event of evasion or refusal. 

Nor was this exhibition of energy confined to the capital only. 

The states of San Luis, INIexico, Zacatecas, Jalisco, and Que- 
retaro, bound themselves, by a solemn league and covenant, to 
preserve the unity of the republic ; and in their address to the 
Mexican people, they protest, " that never will they consent to, 
nor be bound by any convention or treaty of peace with the North 
American enemy, so long as he threatens or occupies the capital 
or any part of the Mexican republic ; they also will not recognise 
any general suspension of arms which should compromise all the 
belligerent forces of the nation ;" and they close by asserting 
their determination to aid with their private resources the gene- 
ral government, independent of the assistance they are bound by 
law to give ; so that the one cause — common to them in its dis- 
graces and its perils — may be sustained, the national credit and 
honour re-established, and all ])ossiblc opposition and resistance 
made to every attack upon the popular federal representative 
system."* 

Had these various resolutions been as firmly carried out as they 
were pertinaciously insisted upon, it is possible that victory might 
yet have inclined to the Mexican standard ; but there is a vast 
difTerencc between the energy which can be exhibited in fiery 
denunciations, and the spirit necessary to meet in successful con- 
flict even a mere handful of resolute men. 

In an equally firm, Init far more moderate tone, was the pro- 
clamation of General Scott, addressed also to the Mexican nation, 
and dated Jalapa, May 11th, 18-17. It is a paper which proves 
him to be as accomplished in diplomacy, as in the art of war. 
In this admirable document, after briefly alluding to the causes 
which precipitated the war, and the successes that had in every 

* New Orleans Bulletin. 



346 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

battle attended the American arms — successes which he attributes 
more to the unskilfulness of the Mexican generals than to the 
want of valour in their troops — he concludes by saying : — 

" Again, Mexicans of honourable pride — contemplate the lot 
of peaceful and laborious citizens, in all classes of your society. 
The possessions of the church menaced and held out as an in- 
citement to revolution and anarchy ; the fortunes of rich pro})rie- 
tors pointed out for plunder to the ill-disposed ; the merchant and 
tlie artisan, the labourer and the manufacturer, burdened with 
contributions, excises, monopolies, taxes upon consumption, 
surrounded with restrictions and charged with odious internal 
customs ; tlie man of letters and tlie statesman, the man of 
liberal knowledge who dares to speak, persecuted without trial 
by some faction, or by the rulers who abuse their ])ower ; crimi- 
nals unpunished and set at liberty, as were those of Perote — is 
this, then, Mexicans, the liberty which you enjoy ? 

" I will not believe that the Mexicans of the present day are 
wantino' in couras^e to confess errors which do not dishonour 
them, and to adopt a system of true liberty, of peace, and union 
with tlieir brethren and neighbours of the north ; neither will I 
believe that they are ignorant of the falsity of the calumnies of 
the press, intended to excite hostility. No! public sentiment is 
not to be created or animated by falsehood. We have not pro- 
faned your temples, nor abused your women, nor seized your 
property, as they would have you believe. 

"We say this wuth pride, and we confirm it by your own 
bishops, and by the clergy of Tampico, Tuspan, ]Matamoros, Mon- 
terey, Vera Cruz, and Jalapa, and by all the authorities, civil and 
religious, and the inhabitants of every town we have occujiied. 

" We adore the same God : and a large proportion of our army, 
as well as of the people of the United States, are Catholics, like 
yourselves. We punish crime, wherever we find it, and reward 
merit and virtue. 



SCOTt's address to the MEXICANS. 347 

"The army oftlie rnited States respects, and will always respect 
private property, of every descrijition, ami the property of tlie 
JNIexican church. 

«' Mexicans! the past cannot be remedied, but the future may 
be provided for. Repeatedly have I shown you, that tlie t^overn- 
nu'ut and peoj^le of the United States desire peace, desire your 
sincere frientlship. 

" Abandon, then, rancorous prejudices; cease to be the sport 
of individual ambition, and conduct yourselves like a great 
American nation ; leave otF at once colonial habits, and learn to 
be truly free, truly republican, and you will become prosperous 
and happy, for you possess all the elements to be so. Remember 
tliat you are Americans, and that your happiness is not to come 
from ['Europe. 

" I desire, in conclusion, to declare, and with equal frankness, 
that, if necessary, an army of one hundred thousand Americans 
could promptly be brought, and that the United States would not 
terminate their differences with Mexico (if compelled to do so by 
force of arms) in any manner uncertain, })recarious, or dishonour- 
ing to yourselves. I should insult the intelligent of this country 
if I had any doubt of their acquaintance with this truth. 

" The order to form guerrilla parties to attack us, I assure you 
can procure nothing but evil to yoiu' country, and no evil to our 
army, which will know how to proceed against them ; and if, so 
far from conciliating, you succeed in irritating, you will impose 
upon us the hard necessity of retaliation, and then you cannot 
blame us for the consequences which will fall upon yourselves. 

" I am marching with my army ujion Puebla and Mexico — I 
do not conceal it ; from those capitals I shall again address you. 
I desire peace, friendship, and union — it is for you to select, 
whether you ]ircfer war ; under any circumstances, be assured I 

shall not fail my word. 

WIN FIELD SCOTT." 
46 



348 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

That the government of the United States was really desirous 
of peace there cannot be tlie least doubt. It had originally con- 
templated nothing more than a small border war, in which the 
Mexican troops, being beaten, would retire from the frontier line, 
and, by the conclusion of an armistice, leave Hie existing diffi- 
culties to be settled by negotiation. 

In this expectation, however, our government was deceived. 
It had not sufficiently considered the pride and obstinacy which 
have always formed the two most prominent elements of the 
Spanish character. The revolt of Texas, and the establishment 
of its independence, were sufficiently mortifying to Mexican 
pride. With the mortification was coupled hatred of the United 
States, from which the original settlers of Texas came ; that 
increased on the incorporation of the latter with the states of the 
Northern Confederacy, and became an implacable hostility, when 
the Army of Occupation, not content with Texas, carried its 
aggressive banner to the banks of the Bravo. 

The hatred with which an American was regarded m all parts 
of the Mexican republic, was by no means of recent origin. The 
unexampled prosperity of the United States, and its consequent 
rapid increase in power ; its energetic character, and the wonder- 
ful vitality which able legislation had infused into every part of 
the body politic ; had long been viewed by the Mexicans with 
feelings of ill suppressed jealousy and distrust. 

A presentiment natural to a weak nation watching the advan- 
cing and gigantic strides of a powerful neighbour, seems to have 
constantly stimulated this feeling of antagonism. This presenti- 
ment was, that a collision must some day take place, and upon 
the results which followed would depend the question of Mexican 
nationality. Hence, in some respects, arose tlie early anxiety to 
measure their strength with that of the "barbarian of the nortli," 
and the disasters that followed repeated trials, wounded still 
deeper a self-love, which attributed its defeats to every other tlian 
the true cau'^e — the manifest superiority of our men in courage, 



Buchanan's letters. 349 

tenacity, and tlie use of arras ; and the great military skill and 
undaunted resolution of the officers by whom they were conducted. 

Had but a single victory crowned tlie arms of Mexico, it is 
possible that from the vantage ground thus obtained, and with 
her national honour soothed by an unwonted triumph, she might 
have consented to open negotiations ; but, defeated in every battle, 
pride, shame, and a galling sense of the presen(;e of a victorious 
enemy, goaded her on to new offorts, only to end in more terrible 
disasters. 

As early as the 15th of April, Mr. Buchanan wrote to the Min- 
ister of Foreign Affairs, in answer to a previous communication, 
in which the latter declined, according to an earlier proposition 
made by our government, to send commissioners to Jalapa, Ha- 
vana, or any other point that might be agreed upon, unless the 
blockade of the Mexican ports should be first raised, and our 
army withdrawn beyond the limits of the Mexican territory. 

In reply, Mr. Buchanan states, that the President holds such a 
preliminary condition to be wholly inadmissible, both as calcu- 
lated to prolong the war, and as contrary to the usages of nations ; 
and that he will not make further overtures for the opening of 
neiiotiations, at least until he shall have reason to believe that 
such will be accepted by the Mexican government. Devoted, 
however, to honoured)le peace, he is determined that tlie evils of 
war shall not be protracted one day longer than shall be rendered 
absolutely necessary by the Mexican republic. 

Mr. Buchanan then announces, that, to carry this determination 
into effect, the President has sent in the quality of commissioner, to 
the head-quarters of the army in Mexico, Mr. N. P. Trist, First 
Clerk in the State Department, with full powers to conclude a de- 
finitive treaty of peace with the United ]\Iexican States, and 
recommends him as eminently worthy the confidence and consid- 
eration of the ^Mexican government.* 

* Washington Union. 



350 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

This letter, after numerous vexatious delays, was referred by 
General Santa Anna to the Mexican Congress, that body being 
convened for the especial purpose of deliberating upon its contents. 

On the 13th of July, a quorum of seventy- four members being 
present, the question as to whether the commissioner should be 
received and negotiations opened, w^as considered, when the com- 
mittee on Foreign Affairs, upon whom the primary consideration 
of the subject was devolved, offered a report and resolutions to the 
effect, "that it belonged to the Executive under their constitution 
to receive all ministers and public agents, and to make treaties of 
peace, alliances, &c. ; that the functions of Congres§ were limited to 
the approving or disapproving these treaties when made, and that 
consequently, until a treaty should be submitted in form, it could 
take no constitutional action on the subject.* 

The report being submitted, it was accepted by a vote of fifty- 
two to twenty-two ; and the letter having been ordered to be 
returned to General Santa Anna, the Congress adjourned the same 
day, as if desirous of avoiding any further action upon it. 

The resolutions thus adopted might be considered expressive 
of a determination to continue the war, inasmuch as it was w'ell 
known that the Executive was effectually prevented from taking 
the initiative in any negotiations for peace by the fifth section of 
the law passed on the 20th of April, 1847, in which every j)ub- 
lic officer is declared a traitor who should enter into any treaty or 
arrangement with the government of the United States, f 

The numerical weakness of the American force in Mexico at 
this time, may have had its effect in sustaining the determination 
of the Mexican government, to prolong the war at all hazards. 
Something, too, they doubtless hoped from the effects of climate 
upon men unaccustomed to its changes, and unprepared by a suf- 
ficiency of clothing to sustain the great contrast between the cool 

* Synopsis of tlie Washington Union, August 23d, 1847. tSee ante. 



CONDITION OF THE AMERICAN ARMY. 351 

temperature of tlie mountainous rco-ion in which lluy were then 
garrisoned, and the excessive heat of the phiins. 

The Mexicans well knew that sickness and disease had hitherto 
been infinitely more fatal to our troops, on tlie route between 
Vera Cruz and Putbla, than all the battles in which they had been 
engaged since the commencement of the war. 

Weak indeed was the condition of our gallant army at that time. 
On the 4th of June, Scott wrote to the Secretary of War, stating 
that the strength of the army had been surprisingly reduced. That 
in addition to the discharge of seven regiments, and two indepen- 
dent companies of volunteers, there was left in hospital at Vera 
Cruz about one thousand men — a like number of sick and wounded 
at Jalapa ; iwo hundred at Perote (afterwards increased to nearly 
a thousand), and in the hospital at Puebla, one thousand and 
seventeen. In all, three thousand two hundred, in the short 
space of two months, or nearly one-fourth of the whole force that 
disembarked at Vera Cruz. If we add to these the three thousand 
discharged volunteers, and the killed at Cerro Gordo, we shall 
not wonder that, after deducting the garrisons of Vera Cruz, 
Jalapa, and Perote, there remained but the small force of five 
thousand eight hundred and twenty effective non-commissioned 
ofi^cers, artificers, musicians, and privates.* 

Thus situated, Scott determined to abandon Jalaj^a, and with- 
draw its garrison, together with a portion of the garrison at Perote, 
in order to place him in a more favourable condition for advanc- 
ing upon the capital. 

But the reinforcements, long looked for, and almost despaired 
of, were at this time fairly on tlicir way. By the Stli of July, in 
addition to the garrison of Puebla, the brigades of Pillow and Cad- 
walader reached the head of the army, increasing the number 
of effectives — rank and file, to eight thousand and sixty-one men, 
and swelling the sick list, by the addition of the hospitals from 

•Scott's Official Despatch, No. 29. 



352 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR, 

Jalapa, to the fearful extent of two thousand two hundred and 
fifteen men, and eighty-seven commissioned officers.* 

About this time, Scott heard tliat Brigadier-General Pierce had 
arrived at Vera Cruz with twenty-five hundred recruits, and tlie 
General-in-chief determined to delay his march until they also 
should join him. After various delays, arising from the want of 
transportation. Pierce reached Puebla on the 6th of August, with 
twenty-four hundred and twenty-nine men ; and the next day Scott 
commenced his march for the capital, with an army composed 
often thousand seven hundred and thirty-eight, rank and file. 

* Scott's Official Papers, No. 29. 




X...y 



BKI'i. GEN. FRANKr,IN FIERCE. 



CHAPTER XX. 

The American Army concentrated at Puebla — Scott determines to advance on the 
Capital — Description of the Route — Twiggs reaches Ayotla — The Divisions close 
up — Reconnoissanees upon El Penon — Advance by the National Road abandoned 
— The Army moves round Lake Chaico to the Acapulco Road — Description of 
the March — Concentration of the Divisions upon the Acapulco Road. 

The numerous delays by which a portion of our troops was 
detained so long at Puebla, were at least beneficial in one point 
of view, by enabling the new levies, as they came up, to acquire 
that perfect discipline and thorough knowledge of their officers, 
without which it is doubtful whether they would have achieved 
those signal victories which have since made the Anglo-Saxon 
name a terror to the hearts of the inhabitants of the valley of 
Mexico. 

It must be remembered, that of the force which left Puebla for 
the Mexican capital, nearly one-half was new and untried. Most 
of them were men suddenly called from the occupations of civil 
life, from the plough, the loom, the desk, and the anvil ; and 
though perhaps there were none among them wholly unaccustomed 
to the use of arms, there were, yet, very few indeed who were 
expert in the manual, or who coidd have performed with })recision 
the numerous and complicated manoeuvres, the knowledge of 
which is always requisite in the presence of an enemy, and so 
often essential to the success of a battle. 

The rigid system of military instruction instituted at Puebla, 
made every man a soldier who arrived early enough to participate 

353 



354 HISTORY OF THK MEXICAN WAR, 

in it, so that, before the army left that citj, it had acquired the 
high distinction of being the best disciplined of any which had 
yet been sent forth by the American nation on the road to con- 
quest. Its subsequent deeds fully proved that this estimate of its 
character was not less just than true. 

One of the most remarkable features of the war, was the un- 
bounded confidence which animated the American army on all 
occasions. No matter by how many obstacles surrounded, or by 
what numbers opposed, the possibility of defeat never seems to 
have been entertained for a single moment. To anticipate a 
battle was to antici})ate a victory ; and that the city of Mexico 
would be reached, in despite of the difficulties which were known 
to beset the way, was entertained with so undoubting a belief, 
that the possession of the Aztec capital was assured from the very 
moment that Puebla was left in the rear. 

Leaving: the meag^re force of three hundred and ninety-three 
men under Colonel Childs to garrison the latter city, and charged 
with the protection of eighteen hundred sick in its hospitals, the 
army advanced towards the capital in four divisions, preceded by 
a cavalry brigade. 

These divisions had been previously arranged as follows: 

CAVALRY BRIGADE. 

COLONEL HARNEY. 

1st Dragoons, Ca])tain Kearney. 

2d do. Major Sumner. 

3d do. Captain McReynolds. 

FIRST DIVISION. 

GENERAL WORTH. 

f 2d Artillery. 
First Brigade^ J 'M do. 

Colonel Garland. i 4t]i Infantry. 

[ Duncan's Battery. 



MARCH ON THE CAPITAL. 



355 



Second Bngade^ 
Colonel Clarke. 



5tli Infimtry. 
6th do. 
8th do. 



SECOND DIVISION. 

GENERAL TWIGGS. 

Mounted Rifles. 



First Brigade, 
General Smith. 



Second Brigade, 
Colonel Riley. 



1st Artillery. 
3d Infantry. 
Taylor's Batterj-. 
4tli Artillery. 
2d Infantry. 
7th do. 



third division. 
GENERAL PILLOW. 

9th Infantry. 



First Brigade, 
General Pierce. 

Second Brigade, 
General Cadwalader. 



12th do. 
15th do. 
Magruder's Battery. 
Voltigeurs. 
14th Infantry. 
11th do. 



First Brigade, 
General Shields 



FOURTH division. 

GENERAL QUITMAN. 

New York regiment. 
South Carolina do. 
Marines. 
Stcptoe's Battery. 



Second Brigade, 
Colonel Roberts. 



2d Pennsylvania regiment. 



But though the above was the arrangement of the divisions, the 
order of march was different. Twiggs's division, preceded by 
47 



356 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Harney's cavalry, was in advance; then followed Quitman's 
division ; to this succeeded tlie division of Worth ; and the divi- 
sion of Pillow brought up the rear. 

These divisions left Puebla on four successive days, beginning 
on the 7th of August, and ending on the 10th, but were at no time 
beyond five hours' march, or supporting distance, apart. On the 
8th, the General-in-chief overtook and continued with, the leading 
division.* 

The route by which the troops marched was over a rolling road, 
gradually ascending towards the Sierra Nevada. During the first 
day of their departure from Puebla, the country through which 
they passed, was of great natural beauty and fertility. It was 
well- watered, and bore evidences of the most careful cultivation. 
In the midst of the magnificent estates before them, were to be 
seen the haciendas of wealthy proprietors, embosomed in foliage, 
each with its appropriate chapel gleaming white through the trees, 
and surrounded by the numerous habitations of the labourers. 
Upon the left, at the distance of many miles, though seemingly 
close by, rose high, clear, distinct, and sharply defined in the pure 
atmosphere of the mountains, the mighty summits of Popocata- 
petl and Iztaccihuatl, clothed densely around their bases with 
the dark verdure of forest trees, but crowned with everlasting 
snows ; while nearer yet, and between the road and the moun- 
tains, were to be seen the ruins of the pyramid of Cholula, the only 
vestige remaining of the p()})uIous city of the Aztecs, which in the 
days of Cortez numbered two hundred thousand souls. 

During the morning of the second day, the face of the country 
began to wear a more rugged aspect ; the signs of cultivation 
gradually grew less, and, after passing a few miles beyond the vil- 
lage of San Martin, terminated altogether. 

The road now became wilder,' winding about and over a suc- 

* Scott's Official Despatches, No. 31. 

















-^^i 



i I 



-1 



ARRIVAL AT THK VALLF.Y OF MEXICO. 357 

cession of mountain ranches, each highor than the clnor, until it 
reached at Rio Frio its greatest elevation. 

Here tlie advance expected to have been met by a formidable 
resistance, and such had evidently at one time been the intention 
of tlu' Mexicans ; but, from some cause or other, the design was 
abandoned after tliey had thrown up a few breastworks, and felled 
a considerable quantity of timber. 

From the time of leaving Puebla until they reached Rio Frio — 
a distance of about fifty miles — the troops had been constantly 
gaining in ascent, so that they now stood two thousand nine hun- 
dred and twenty-two feet above tlie former city, and ten thousand 
one hundred and twenty-two feet above the level of the ocean. 

But they were soon to be compensated for the toils of the march 
by one of the loveliest sights that ever greeted the eyes of a trav- 
eller. A few miles further was a sudden turn of the road, and 
then first burst upon the astonished vision, with the splendour of 
an enchantment, the glorious valley of Mexico — clothed with rich 
verdure — traversed by silver streams — dotted with lakes, villages, 
and haciendas, — and the whole enclosed by an amphitheatre of 
mountains hundreds of miles in extent, many of them extinct vol- 
canoes, green with forests or white with eternal snow, — with other 
mountain barriers, rising beyond them and blending in the far dis- 
tance, with the soft blue sky above. 

On the lOth, the leading division encamped for the night at 
the base of the mountain, surrounded on all sides by the enemy's 
scouts. 

The next day, Twiggs reached Ayotla, fifteen miles from tlie 
capital. Here he halted until th(> other divisions came up.* 

On the 12th, the different divisions, as they approached the base 
of the mountains, drew more closely towards each other. Twiggs's 
division halted at Ayotla, and Worth's at the village of Chalco, 
five miles distant across the lake in a straight line, but double 

* Letter to the New York Courier. 



353 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

that distance by the road ; between Twiggs and Worth were en- 
camped the divisions of Pillow and Quitman. 

The National or Vera Cruz Road, by which the troops had 
hitherto advanced, is approached on the left at Ayotla, by the 
margin of Lake Chalco, and at a distance of seven miles further 
on and to the right, is bounded by Lake Tezcuco, which extends 
to within three miles of the city. The road is a causeway running 
for a considerable portion of the space intervening between the 
lakes by marshy and boggy grounds. 

At a distance of seven miles, or about midway between Ayotla 
and the capital, rises the lofty mound called El Penon. " This 
hill or mound completely enfilades and commands the National 
Road, and had been fortified and repaired with the greatest care 
by Santa Anna. One side was inaccessible by nature, the rest 
had been made so by art. Batteries mounting in all fifty guns of 
different calibres had been placed on its sides, and a deep ditch 
twenty-four feet wide and ten deep, filled with water, had been 
cut connecting the parts already surrounded by marshes."* 

Such was the information gained by a reconnoissance of the 
work, which was decided to be impracticable, and a second re- 
connoissance was directed, the next day, the 13th, upon Mexical- 
cingo, a village at a fortified bridge across the canal leading from 
Lake Xochimilco. The reconnoitring party, consisting of the 
regiment of Mounted Rifles and three companies of cavalry — in all 
about four hundred men — discovered aroad leadingfrom Los Reyes 
to the left, and followed its windings until within five miles of the 
city, when they were halted by coming suddenly upon five strong 
batteries on the hill which commanded the road. Rapidly coun- 
termarching, the party quickly discovered that in avoiding one 
danger they had laid themselves open to another still more terrible. 
El Peiion, with its three tiers of works, and its fearful array of 
cannon, lay directly between them and tlieir camp at Ayotla, 

* Letter to the Is'evv York Courier. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE MARCH. 3.'J9 

Expecting every instant an attack, they clashed fonvard at tlieir 
utmost speed, and arrived safely at camp about midnight. This 
brilliant reconnoissance was pronounced liy the General-in-chief 
"the boldest of the war."* 

Of the route by Mexicalcingo, General Scott thus wrote to the 
Secretary of War : — 

" It might have been easy — masking the Penon — to force the 
passage ; but, on the other side of the bridge, we should have 
found ourselves four miles from this road on a narrow causeway, 
flanked to the right and left by water or boggy grounds. Tiiese 
difficulties, closely viewed, threw me l)ack upon the project, long 
entertained, of turning the strong eastern defences of the city, by 
passing around south of Lakes Chalco and Xochimilco at the foot 
of the hills and mountains, so as to reach San Augustine, and 
hence to manoeuvre on hard though much broken ground to the 
south and south-west of the capital, which has been more or less 
under our view since the 10th instant."! 

The attempt, therefore, to advance by the National Road was 
abandoned, and the strength of the defence upon and near the 
Acapulco road was now to be tested. These consisted of San 
Antonio, Contreras, and Churubusco. Reversing the order of 
march, Worth's division now took the lead, Pillow and Quitman 
followed, while the division of Twiggs brought up the rear, after 
remaining one day longer at Ayotla, in order to mask the new 
movement as long as possible, by threatening the Peiion and 
Mexicalcingo. 

On the 16tli, Twiggs commenced his march. Upon reaching 
the village of Buena Vista, he found his train threatened by a force 
of cavalry and infantry to the number of five thousand men, under 
General Valencia ; the skirmish and subsecpient march is tiius 
described : — 

" On our left were large fields of half-grown barley, through 

* Letter to the New York Courier. t Oflicial Dcspatclies. 



360 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

which was seen advancing in splendid order the enemy's column. 
It was the most splendid sight I had ever witnessed. The yellow 
cloaks, red jackets and caps of the lancers, and the bright blue 
and white uniforms of the infantry, were most beautifully con- 
trasted with the green of the barley-field. Our line of battle was 
soon formed, and we deployed through the grain to turn their 
left, and cut them off from the mountains. A few shots, however, 
from the battery, showed them that they were observed ; and coun- 
termarching in haste, they left their dead on the field. Thus ended 
our fight of Buena Vista. That night we stayed at Chalco. 

" The next day we made a long and toilsome march over a 
horrible road, through which, with the utmost difficulty, we 
dragged our wagons, by the assistance of both men and mules. 
The next was nearly the same, except that the road, if possible, 
was worse than before, as the Mexicans had blocked it up with 
large stones, rolled down from the neighbouring hills."* 

The route thus laboriously traversed, lay on the left, along the 
base of a mountain range, whose sides, often precipitous, would 
have afforded an enterprising enemy frequent opportunities of 
annoyance, or the road itself might have been effectually ob- 
structed by blocking up the way with rocks rolled from the 
summits of the hills, a task of easy accomplishment ; for, on the 
right of the road, the ground was frequently marshy and inse- 
cure, and occasionally bounded by the actual waters of the lakes. 

The bed of the road was covered with loose rocks and rugged 
land, and intercepted by ravines, over which, in many places, the 
artillery had to be dragged by hand ; and slow, and painful, and 
fatiguing in the extreme, was the toil by which these difficulties 
over a circuitous route of twenty-seven miles were at length sue 
cessfully overcome. 

On the iSth, all the divisions were again concentrated in the 
vicinity of San Augustine and the Acapulco road. 

• Letter to the New York Courier. 



CONCENTRATION UPON THE ACAPULCO ROAD. 361 

By changing tlie line of march rroiu llic Vera Cruz or National 
Road to the Acapulco road, the formidable defences of the Penon 
and Mexicalcingo were avoided altogether ; but there were yet 
many fortifications to be turned, or taken by assault, and an army 
of thirty tliousand Mexicans to be routed before either of the ap- 
proaches to the capital would be open to the advance of the 
American troops. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

The Defences around Mexico — National Road ; EI Peiion, Mexicalcingo — Aca- 
pulco Road; San Antonio, Churubiisco, and Contreras — Toluca Road; El 
Molino del Rey, Chapultepec — Interior Defences — Position and Force of the 
Mexicans — Movement of Worth's Division upon San Antonio — Reconnoissances 
across the Pedregal — Twiggs inarches upon Contreras — Valencia's Fortifications 
— Indecisive Result of the Day — Smith bivouacs in the Village of Contreras — 
Perilous Position of our Troops — Victory of Contreras. 

The defences of the three great roads which approach the city 
of Mexico, were as follows : — 

• On the Vera Cruz or National Road, was the mound of El 
Pefion with its three tiers of works, containing twenty batteries 
that mounted fifty-one guns, and commanding the causeway by 
which the Americans were expected to advance, and at its base 
were fifteen infantry breastworks. It was also, as we have seen, 
surrounded by a deep ditch filled with water, while the causeway 
beyond, though broad, was flanked to the right by the waters of 
Lake Tezcuco, and to the left by marshy grounds. 

As there was a road turning off to the left of the National Road 
at Los Reyes, leading to a causeway at Mexicalcingo, five miles 
from the city, the approach to the capital in that direction was 
defended by eight batteries for thirty-eight guns, and one infantry 
breastwork ; and the difficulty of an advance beyond, was still 
great, from the causeway being narrow, and flanked to the right 
and left by water. 

The movement upon the capital by the National Road, either by 
storming El Pefion and following the direct route, or by passing to 
tlie left at Los Reyes and forcing the batteries at Mexicalcingo 

362 



DEFENCES OF MEXICO. 



3()3 



and the caiiscnvay beyond, was found too hazardous to attempt 
with so small an army, and was tlierefore most wisely abandoned. 
The Acapulco road was then selected, as beinc^ protected by de- 
fences of somewhat inferior strength, and as affording a better op- 
portunity for our troops to manoeuvre with advantage. 

The defences upon this road were those of San Antonio, Churu- 
busco, and Contreras. San Antonio was a village approachable 
only in front by a causeway flanked by wet ditches or by difficult 
grounds, composing the outskirts of a field of broken lava, called 
the Pedregal. 

Its works consisted of seven batteries for twenty-four guns, and 
two breastworks for infantry. 

Churubusco was a strongly fortified hacienda, surrounded on 
all sides by a high and thick wall, within which was also a strong 
stone church. 

In front of the hacienda, without the wall, and embracing two 
sides of it, was a field-work mounting seven pieces of cannon, 
which commanded the approach in all directions. Besides these, at 
a distance of five hundred yards, and directly across the causeway 
by which it is approached, was a tete-du-pont, or bridge-head, at 
the crossing of a canal : this was defended by a deep ditch, and 
mounted three large pieces of cannon. 

To the left of San Augustine, and distant from it about four 
miles, was the hill of Contreras, a strongly fortified position com- 
manding a difficult pass through which, by means of a cross road 
through San Angel and Cuyoacan, the fortifications of San Anto- 
nio mi"-ht have been turned, and those of Churubusco more favour- 
ably approached. Upon tliis hill were twenty-two pieces of 
cannon, surrounded by a breastwork. 

On the third approach to the capital, the Toluca road, where 
the mountains most closely approach the city, were the works of 
Molino del Key, and the fortress of Chapultepec. 

The first consisted of the strong stone buildings of the maga- 
4S 



364 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

zine, called " Casa Mata,^'' and the foundry of Molino del Rey, 
protected by a field-battery, the guns of Chapultepec, and infan- 
try breastworks. 

The second, of the hill of Chapultepec, crowned with the 
military college, an immense building well fortified ; surrounded 
at its base by a thick stone wall fifteen feet high, protected at 
different points by seven batteries mounting nineteen guns, and 
seven infantry breastworks ; and further defended by mines 
which perforated the hill in all directions, and by broad and deep 
wet ditches. 

Such, then, were the exterior defences commanding all the ap- 
proaches to the capital. 

The interior defences, or those more immediately round the 
city, were of a slighter character, and consisted mainly of the 
narrow causeways flanked by water, or wet ditches, and upon 
which breastworks had been hastily thrown up. At the head of 
these causeways were the Garitas, or small forts immediately 
protecting the entrance to the capital. 

Of the positions and force of the Mexican troops, by which 
tliese various works were to be defended, we shall now take 
occasion to speak. 

General Valencia occupied the hill of Contreras with seven 
thousand men, the best and bravest of the Mexican army. 

A corps of reserve, consisting of twelve thousand men under 
the immediate command of General Santa Anna, was stationed 
in front of the village of Contreras, an intermediate point between 
the hill of Contreras and Churubusco, and so situated as to be 
able to reinforce the one or the other as circumstances might 
require. 

Three thousand troops under General Bravo garrisoned San 
Antonio, while at the hacienda and the tete-du-pont of Churubus- 
co were from seven to nine thousand men under General Rincon. 

On the I8th, Worth's division and Harney's brigade of cavalry. 



SAN ANTONIO. 30") 

after reaching San Augustine, were thrown forward to reconnoitre 
San Antonio, ami, if possible, to carry or mask it.* 

Advancing on the direct road to within a mile of that village, 
they found its front thoroughly fortified with heavy guns, which at 
various angles commanded tlie approach through tlie whole length 
of tlic route, t 

Tlie approach was by a causeway, flanked to the right by 
marshy grounds, while on the left, extending to the mountains a 
distance of five miles, was the field of volcanic rocks called the 
Pedregal. This singular field is in shape an irregular oval — it is 
skirted occasionally by patches of dense chaparral, and on pass- 
ing tliese is found cut up in all directions by deep ravines, and 
covered with huge masses of rock and rugged lava. 

The Mexicans believed it opposed an effectual barrier to any 
attempt whicli miglit be made to turn their position in that direc- 
tion ; but the skiliul and daring reconnoissances of the iSth and 
continued on the morning of the 19th, proved, that by the exer- 
cise of great energy, perseverance, and severe toil, the Pedregal 
might be penetrated, and, by a semicircular sweep, the main road 
beyond San Antonio be gained. 

By this means, the double purpose would be eflfected of turning 
tlie enemy's position, and cutting ofifhis retreat towards the capi- 
tal4 

Meanwhile, also on the 18th, another reconnoissance was order- 
ed from San Augustine, the head-quarters of the Gencral-in-chief, 
over the left of the Pedregal and at the opposite side from San 
Antonio, with the view of avoiding, if possible, the works at the 
latter place (the assault of which would have involved an im- 
mense loss of life), and at the same time reaching Churubusco 
through the villagesof San Angel and Cuyoacan by a road which 
was known to exist beyond the Pedregal. 

• Worth's Onicial Report. t Ibid, 

t .<(oti's OHi.iiil Despatch, No. 31. 



3C)G HISTORV OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

In doing this, however, the entrenched camp upon the hill of 
Contreras would have to be carried by assault ; but as it was sup- 
posed to be less capable of sustaining a defence than San Antonio, 
this route, if practicable at all, would be preferable to the latter. 

The reconnoissance continued over the morning of the 19th, 
when a route was discovered, through which, however, it was 
found that a road would have to be opened for the passage of 
artillery. Pillow's division was accordingly sent forward for that 
purpose. 

The division of Twiggs arriving at San Juan, a small village 
within two miles of San Augustine, was ordered to the front to 
cover the working parties. The men were directed to sling their 
blankets across their shoulders, leave their knapsacks behind in the 
wagons, and put bread and beef for two days in their haversacks. 
From this order they knew that a battle was impending ; and 
though somewhat fatigued already with a rugged march of seven 
miles, they met the requisition with their accustomed alacrity. 
The distance they had yet to march before reaching tlie San Angel 
road, was nearly seven miles more, a considerable portion of 
which lay through thick chaparral, and over loose rocks and lava, 
intermingled with prickly pear and cactus, and cut up bv deep 
ditches and ravines. 

About two o'clock P. M., Smith's brigade reached the summit 
of a hill, dragging with it Magruder's batteiy of three pieces, and 
two mountain howitzers, under Lieutenant Callender, when even 
the boldest of the advance were suddenly startled at finding them- 
selves within two hundred yards of Valencia's fortifications upon 
the hill of Contreras. 

Now it was that the great strength of the Mexican works became 
distinctly visible. Twenty-two pieces of artillery, mostly of large 
calibre, commanded the road, between which and tlie works in 
front and to tlie left, was a deep and almost impassable ravine. 
" The camp and ravine were closely defended by masses of infan- 



BATTLE OF COXTROLAS. 367 

try, and these again supported by clouds of cavaliy at hand and 
hovering in new,"* while between Contreras and Chxirubusco, 
and within supporting distance of both, was the reserve of rwelve 
thousand men, imder General Santa Anna. 

From an elevated position in San Augustine, many of the move- 
ments of the enemy beyond the volcanic field c ainly 
seen, and at an earlier hour heavy reinforcements Laviiig been 

discovered ar "~r Contreras from the capital, Cadwalader's 

brigade was ^ rward to support Riley, and Pierce's bri- 

gade was subsequently despatched to sustain Smith.! 

Without pausing upon the eminence from which the fortifica- 
tions had been discovered. Smith ordered the baneries forward, 
and threw out the Rides to protect them. The enemy's pickets 
were soon driven in, and the batteries dashed past at a gallop under 
a severe fire from the hill. Gaining a position about four hundred 
yards from the Mexican works, Magruder and Callender opened 
their fire ; but though the pieces were served with wonderful pre- 
cision and rapidit}", they were opposed by so great a superiority, 
both in the number of guns and weight of metal — twenty-two 
against five — that the contest was too unequal on our side to be 
maintained with any hope of success. Accordingly, afrer the 
lapse of two hours, during which, at every discharge from the hill, 
our troops threw themselves flat upon the ground, to avoid the 
balls, and then sprang up to serve the guns, the batteries were 
withdrawn, with the loss of fifteen artillerists and thirteen horses, 
killed and wounded. + 

During this time repeated charges of lancers had been re- 
pulsed both by Smith's brigade supporting the batteries, and by 
the Second Brigade, under Riley. 

In attempting to gain the San Angel road in the rear of the 

• Sc:- A. No. 31. 

"•■ Ke: •? New Orleans Picarane. 

4 Letter to ibe New York Courier. 



363 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

enemy, Riley became separated from support by the difficult 
character of the ground. Taking advantage of his isolated 
position, two or three thousand Mexicans sallied out from the 
camp, and threw themselves between him and Smith's brigade ; 
a large body of cavalry also bore down upon him in two successive 
charges, while the reserve of Santa Anna was discovered closing 
upon his rear. 

Notwithstanding the perilous array thus opposed to him, Riley, 
though hemmed in on all sides, gallantly maintained his ground, 
beat back both the infantry and cavalry, and by a series of well 
conducted manoeuvres, executed in the face of the enemy, suc- 
ceeded, late in the evening, in joining Smith's brigade at the 
village of Contreras. 

In the meanwhile the General-in-chicf had arrived upon the 
ground ; and observing, from an eminence overlooking the field 
of battle, that large reinforcements of the enemy were advancing 
from the city by the road which, passing through the villages of 
San Angel and Contreras, led to the entrenched camp, he ordered 
Morgan's regiment, the 15th, to push forward and occupy Contre- 
ras, and the brigade of Pierce, just arrived from San Augustine, 
to follow and sustain Morgan. The brigades of Smith and Riley 
were already moving in that direction, and Cadwalader's brigade, 
despatched at an earlier hour ui)on the same point, was found 
already in position, though much in need of assistance.* 

For the first time in the history of the war, no impression had 
been made upon the enemy : and, as the day was drawing to a 
close, the General-in-chief, accompanied by General Twiggs, who 
was disabled from following his division, returned to San Augus- 
tine, leaving General Smith in command. 

On approaching Contreras, that active officer discovered the 
immense reserve of Santa Anna forming on the slope on the 

• Scott's Official Despatch, No. 31. 



BATTLE OF CONTRERAS. 369 

Opposite side of tlie villniie, and thrcutoning the brioade of 
Cadwalader, already there and in position. 

" The village lay entirely on the other side of the main road, 
and was divided from it by a small stream running through a 
deep ravine. On the road, and between it and the stream, was 
a garden and house surrounded by a high and tolerably strong 
stone wall. The village was intersected by narrow lanes lying 
between high dikes enclosing gardens full of trees and shrubbery 
—the lanes afFortling cover and the trees concealment for the 
men. In the centre stood an old stone church."* 

Forming Cadwalader's brigade on the outer edge of the village, 
flanked on the right by the 3d infantry and Rifles, Smith occupied 
the church with the Engineer company, while the 11th regiment 
took up its position in the garden on the road, to protect that 
avenue and the rear. 

The enemy now formed opposite in two lines, the infantry in 
front, the cavalry in the rear and about ten thousand stronff. 

Riley's brigade having arrived in the mean time. Smith deter- 
mined upon an immediate and energetic attack ; but the troops 
were disengaged from among the ravines and chaparral with so 
much difficulty, that it grew dark before his order of battle was 
perfected, and the design was abandoned. 

The men now bivouacked for the night. The brigades of Smith 
and Riley occupied a narrow road running through the centre of 
the village, while Cadwalader resumed his former position. The 
brigade of Shields, which came up later in the evening, lay in an 
orchard near by. 

But. sleep visited not the eyelids of the weary troops on that 
eventful night, for the indecisive result of the day was succeeded 
by prospects gloomier still. They were surrounded by a force of 
eighteen thousand Mexicans, within range of the batteries upon 
the hill of Contreras, completely cut ofl" from all reinforcements, 

* Smith's OfTicial Report. 



370 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

antl without even the possibility of hearing from General Scott, 
whose messengers, repeatedly despatched across the Pedregal, 
returned, one after another, foiled by the darkness of the night 
and the difficulties of the route. 

To add to the discomfort of their situation, the rain fell in tor- 
rents. The rush of waters choked up the bed of the road where 
they lay. Drenched and benumbed, they sprang to their feet, and 
huddling closely together, awaited witli desperate resolution the 
events of the morrow.* 

But while the ill success of the day, the terrible storm by which 
they were now assailed, and the threatening aspect of the enemy 
by whom they were surrounded, all contributed to infuse a feeling 
of despondency among the troops, an unexpected discovery stirred 
their drooping spirits with hopeful animation. 

A route, barely practicable for infantry, had been found by 
Lieutenant Tower, of the Engineers, leading from the village 
through a ravine to the rear of Valencia's fortifications ; and Smith 
instantly determined upon the daring project of carrying them by 
storm. 

Dangerous as the execution of this design was, while hemmed 
in by masses of the enemy's troops, who might at any moment 
become the assailants, it was instantly acquiesced in by his subor- 
dinate officers, and Smith had actually matured his plans before 
the arrival of Shields, 

That brave officer, though then the senior upon the ground, and, 
as such, entitled to the command, not only delicately waived his 
right to interfere, but took upon himself the perilous duty of hold- 
ing the village against the overwhelming force of the enemy posted 
opposite, and of cutting off the retreat of the fugitives in the event 
of Smith proving successful. 

The plan of attack having been arranged. Captain Lee, of the 
Engineers, volunteered to cross the Pedregal, for the purpose of 

• Letter to the New York Courier. 



BATTLK OK CONTRKHAS. 371 

requesting that a powerful diviTsion might bo made from San 
Augustine upon the front jf the works, while Smith assaulted 
tliem in the rear. 

The hour of three A. M. had been agreed upon as the time 
when the troops should move forward to the attack; but, tliough 
tlie marrh eommenced at the hour appointed, it was near day- 
light before the head of Cadwalader's brigade succeeded in get- 
ting out of the village. 

Riley's brigade led, followed by that of Cadwalader, while 
Smith's brigade brought up the rear. 

The rain still fell, and it was so dark that the men were re- 
quired to keep touch of each other, to prevent their going astray. 
The path was narrow, and the ground a stiff" muddy clay full of 
rocks, and the difficulties of the march were greatly enhanced by 
tfie necessity of advancing by a ilank which extended the com- 
mand to thrice its length.* Eventually, however, the troops suc- 
ceeded in attaining a point of the ravine from which it was sup- 
posed possible to reach tfie rear of the enemy; the advance then 
halted until those beliind closed up. It was now about four 
o'clock on the morning of the 20th. 

Forming in line, tlie wet loads were drawn ; and, with Riley's 
brigade in two columns on the right, the march recommenced. 

They were yet about a quarter of a mile from the enemy's 
camp. Wending their way through a thick orchard, which, to- 
gether witli the darkness, efrectually concealed their apjiroanh, 
they debouched into a deep ravine which, running within five 
hundred yartis of the work, led directly in rear and out of sight of 
tlie flatteries, feeing screened from tliem bv an intervening hill.f 

Up to this time it was evident that Valencia was utt(Mly igno 

rant of the movement which so seriously threatened his position. 

Prepared for, and anticipating only an attack in front, he seems 

to have relied upon the vigilance of the main army stationed in 

• .Smiili's OfTicial Flcport. t Ltiicr to the N"W York Courier. 

49 



372 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

front of the villa<(e of Contreras, for intercepting any demonstra- 
tion which might be made upon his rear. Flushed with the 
temporary success he had gained on the preceding evening, he 
distributed promotions among his officers with a lavish hand, and 
impatiently awaited the renew-al of the attack, in full confidence 
tliat from so small a body of assailants, operating without either ar- 
tiller}^- or cavalry, there was nothing to fear, and everytliing to hope. 

But he was soon to be sternly undeceived. With celerity and 
in profound silence, the gallant Riley drew up his noble brigade 
just under the brow of the hill. 

The entrenched camp was upon another and rather lower 
eminence, in front of the one upon which our troops now were ; 
from the crest of the latter a smooth slope descended directly to 
the work. 

The position of Smith's command was now as follows: — 
Riley's brigade was under the brow of the hill facing the rear of 
Valencia's camp, and awaiting the command to storm. Cad- 
walader was pressing forward to support Riley. 

Major Dimmick with Smith's brigade, following in the same 
direction, changed the march of his command to meet a large 
body of Mexican cavalry discovered on the left Hank. 

Ransom, with a temporary brigade sent from San Augustine 
under the guidance of Captain Lee, crossed the ravine in front 
of the works, to divert the attention of tlie enemy from the medi- 
tated point of attack. These arrangements were completed 
about sunrise, and then Smith, walking slowly up to Riley's bri- 
gade and finding all was ready, gave the word of command — 
"Men, forward!" 

In an instant, with a wild fierce yell, they sprang u]i and dashed 
over the brow of the hill — the Rifles, previously thrown forward to 
the foot of the slope, protected the storming-party by throwing in 
a deadly fire upon the startled enemy, and then gallantly rushed 
forward to participate in the assault. 



BATTLE OK CONTKKRAS. 37:1 

The Mexican fire oversliot the storiucrs, and, before tlie pieces 
couhl be depressed, the men clambered over the earthen parapet 
with deafening cheers, and attacked the garrison hand to hand. 
A brief but terrific conflict ensued. Intermingled with the firing, 
the clash of swords and the crashing blows from musket and 
rifle stocks could be ilistinctly heard. Valencia himself suddenly 
disappeared, whi-le his officers and men, taken by surprise — com- 
pacted together into a confused struggling mass — assaulted in 
their midst, in front and in rear at one and the same moment — 
were perfectly paralyzed, and sulfered themselves to be cut to 
pieces with dreadful slaughter, while the survivors, unabl(> to 
resist the impetuous avalanche of intrepid Americans, animated 
as by one heart, threw down their arms in vast numbers, and took 
to flight in all directions. Some fled to the mountains, others 
across the Pedregal, and others again, in the direction of Contre- 
ras and San Angel. Five hundred fugitives jammed up in a 
narrow pass, were headed by thirty men, and surrendered them- 
selves prisoners of war. 

The road was literally strewn with the dead and dying ; nor 
did the pursuit pause until it received a check, near the village of 
San Angel, from the fire of the Mexican reserve. 

So fierce had been the assault, that the brunt of the action 
lasted only seventeen minutes, and in that brief space of time 
the fort had been captured, and its defenders completely routed. 

During the storm of the hill, the other portions of Smith's com- 
mand had not been idle. Cadwalader had ably supported 
Rilcv. Smith's brigade under Major Dimmick met the large 
body of Mexican cavalry, and drove them at the jioint of the 
bavonet ; then, turning back, rushed up the slope in front of the 
work, and fell upon the enemy outside, just as he was escaping 
from Riley's furious attack from the rear. 

In the mean time, completely deceived by tlu- masterly arrange- 
ments of Smith and Shields, the Mt>xican reserve remained 
perplexed and inactive before the village of Contreras, until the 



374 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAB. 

disastrous defeat of Valencia compelled it to fall back upon San 
Arf^el and Churubusco, leaving Shields at leisure to cut off the 
fugitives, numbers of whom, coming under the fire of the South 
Carolina regiment, broke away in utter despair, and took refuge 
among the rocks and ravines of the Pedregal. 

The victory being achieved before the detachments from 
Worth's and Quitman's divisions arrived in sight, they were 
ordered back to their former positions ; Worth to attack San 
Antonio in front with his whole force, while Pillow's and Twiggs's 
divisions — so lately led by Smith, but now each under its 
appropriate commander — moving from Contreras through San 
Angel and Cuyoacan, approached it in the rear. 

'J'o the skill and bravery of General Persifor F. Smith and his 
intrepid subordinates, is the American nation indebted for the 
great victory of Contreras. Its results were, seven hundred of 
the enemy killed ; eight hundred and thirteen taken prisoners, 
among whom were four generals — Salas, Mendoza, Garcia, and 
Guadalupe — and eighty-eiglit inferior officers ; many colours and 
standards, twenty-two pieces of brass ordnance, thousands of 
small arms and accoutrements, an immense quantity of shot, 
shells, powder, and cartridges, besides seven hundred pack-mules 
and many horses.* 

Our loss was one officer killed, and one wounded, and about 
fifty men killed and wounded. f 

Among the ordnance captured, were the two guns lost by the 
4th artillery — but without dishonour — at the battle of Buena Vista. 
By a singular and pleasing coincidence, these were first recog- 
nised by Captain Drum, of the same regiment, and the tidings 
of their recovery so exhilarated the spirits of the men under his 
command, that they sprang rapturously forward, and, amidst 
deafening cheers, caressed and embraced them as objects of 
affection long mourned as lost, but now suddenly and unex- 
pectedly restored. 

• Scott's Ofiicial Report. t Letter to the New York Courier. 




•r. i-;. -.IN. iEUsiFt:i; v siaith. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Contrcras — San Antonio — Worth's Operations on the 20ih — Topography of the 
Baitie-Grounds of Contreras, San Antonio, and Churubusco — 'I'lie Advance on 
Churubusco— Scott's Plan of Battle — Description of the Mexican Defences at 
Churubusco — The Battle commenced — Operations of Twiggs — Terrible Position 
of Taylor's Battery — Attack of Shields upon the Mexican Reserve — Bravery of 
the ^Mexicans — Gallant conduct of the New York and Soutli Carolina Regiments 
— Mexican Defence of San Pablo — The Deserters — San Antonio forced and 
turned by Worth — His advance upon Churubusco — Storm of the Tete-du-Pont — 
Effect of Duncan's Battery — Siorm and Surrender of San Pablo — The Mexicans 
routed at all Points — Daring Charge of Harney's Dragoons — Result of the Vic- 
tory — Mexican and American Loss. 

Viewed in every aspect, the victory of Contreras was produc- 
tive of the most important consequences to the American array. 

It was the first victory gained in the valley of Mexico. 

It cut the line of the enemy's defences, and rendered no longer 
a mattT of doubt the advance of our troops upon Churubusco; 
the only remaining exterior defence, and the last obstacle pro- 
tecting the causeway by which the Garitas, or small forts at the 
gates of the city, could be easily approached. 

It broke down the confidence of the Mexicans in the strength 
of their fortifications, by exhibiting in the most impressive man- 
ner their inability to successfully defend them, and it reinvigorated 
the spirit of the Americans, to whom the change of route, from the 
National to the Acapulco road, had been ominous of the difficul- 
ties by which they were beset, and upon whom the check received 
on the 19th before both San Antonio and the hill of Contreras, was 
calculated to conjure up the most fearful presentiments of evil, 
while it encouraged the enemy to increased exertions. 

375 



376 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

While the operations which led to the indecisive results of the 
afternoon of the 19th, were going on over the left of the Pedregal, 
Worth, on the right of the same field, was pushing vigorously 
his reconnoissances. These, as we have already related, were 
at length crowned with success, by the discovery of a dubious 
route, over which it was hoped that by a semicircular sweep, 
the main road to Churubusco might be gained, and the batteries 
of San Antonio left in the rear. 

But though San Antonio might possibly be thus effectually 
turned by the infantry, the advance of the heavy ordnance com- 
posing the siege train was opposed by obstacles on both sides of 
the Pedregal, which were almost if not entirely insuperable ; San 
Antonio was, therefore, ordered to be forced, as, by its capture, a 
short and excellent road would be open to the artillery. 

Accordingly, on the morning of the 20th, W^orth's detachment 
was countermarched from the neighbourhood of Contreras, and 
his two divisions being again concentrated near each other, the 
movement upon San Antonio commenced. 

In order to fully understand the operations of the American 
troops, on the 19th and 20th of August, it must be borne in mind, 
that from San Augustine, the head-quarters of General Scott, a 
road swept round the skirts of the Pedregal in an almost continu- 
ous circle, ending at Churubusco, on the main road to the capital. 
To the right of San Augustine the road led to San Antonio, and 
thence to Churubusco. 

To the left of San Augustine the road advanced to the Pedregal, 
ended tliere in a trail, or mule-path, and again becoming wide 
after the Pedregal was passed, tapped at right angles the Magda- 
lena road in front of the hill of Contreras, and from thence passing 
through the villages of San Angel and Cuyoacan, also terminated 
in tlie main road at Churubusco. 

It will therefore be perceived, tliat, if the latter road could be 
opened by taking the works at Contreras, — the object being to 



SCOTT S PLAN OK BATTLE. 377 

roach Cliuiulnisco, — thf strong position of San Antonio need not 
be attacked at all. Or, if San Antonio could be taken or turned, 
it would not have been so necessary to have carried Contreras. 
But wlien Contreras luas taken, the General-in-chief decided to 
attack, by a combined movement, the works of San Antonio in 
front and in rear, so as to open to his advance the road on both 
sides of the Pedregal, and ailbrd a good passage for his artillery. 
By this means he would be enabled to approach Churubusco in 
the rear, through the villages of San Angel and Cuyoacan, and in 
front by the causeway leading through ,San Antonio. 

Churubusco thus became the final and most important point of 
defence ; and, as a good road led from thence to the city, it was 
heavily and continually reinforced from tliat quarter, besides re- 
ceiving large accessions of fugitives from Contreras, subsequently 
increased by the addition of fifteen hundred men from San Anto- 
nio, until within, and in tlie rear of the hacienda, the field-work 
in front, and tiie tete-du-pont at the crossing of the canal, the 
Mexican force amounted to twenty-seven thousand men, while 
the Americans in all parts of the field numbered only nine thou- 
sand strong. 

The work at Contreras being taken, those of San Antonio and 
Churubusco were next to be attacked. 

Accordingly, at eight o'clock, A. M., the divisions of Twiggs 
and Pillow, under the immediate command of the latter, marched 
from Contreras to Cuyoacan, followed closely by the General-in- 
chief in person. 

At this village, one mile from Churubusco, and five from Con- 
treras, several roads meet, one of which, stretching off to the right, 
leads to the rear of San Antonio, two miles distant. 

At Cuyoacan, Scott arranged his ])lan of battle, and the disjio- 
sition of his force was briefly as follows: — 

Worth, already on the San Antonio road, was to storm that work 
in front, suj)ported by Cadwalader's brigade (Pillow's division), 



378 HISTORY OF TIIK MEXICAN WAR. 

which was directed to march from Cuyoacan and attack it simul- 
taneously in the rear. 

When the work was carried, the two divisions were to unite 
and press forward upon Churubusco, the distance of the latter 
from San Antonio by the causeway being but little more than two 
miles. 

In the mean time, Twiggs was to move upon Churubusco, and 
attack the works nearest to Cuyoacan. These proved to be the 
hacienda and convent of San Pablo. 

Shields, in command of his own brigade (Quitman's division) 
and that of Pierce (Pillow's division), was to leave Cuyoacan by 
a third road further to the left, cross the Churubusco river, and, 
upon reaching the causeway between Churubusco and the city of 
Mexico, was directed to attack the enemy's right and rear, divert 
his attention from the movement upon the hacienda, and endea- 
vour to intercept the retreat towards the ca])ital of the garrison 
from Churubusco, in the event of the attack upon that point 
proving successful. 

Quitman, with the remainder of his division, was to remain at 
San Augustine to guard the hospital, and the siege, supply, and 
baggage trains. 

The orders rapidly given to Pillow, Twiggs, and Shields, were 
as promptly followed up by the march of their respective com- 
mands upon the point indicated. 

Twiggs moving first, with Smith's brigade in advance supported 
by Riley's, soon reached the vicinity of San Pablo de Churubusco. 

The works at this point were of the most formidable description. 
" They consisted of a fortified hacienda which was surrounded 
by a high and thick wall on all sides," forming a large square. 
" Inside the wall was a stone building, the roof of which was flat 
and higlier than the walls. Above all this was a stone church, 
still higher than the rest, and having a large steeple. The wall 
was pierced with loopholes, and so arranged that there were two 



BATTLE COMMKNCF.D. 379 

tiers of men firino; at tlie same time. They had thus four (liflL'rent 
rano;es of men ruin<2: at once, and four ranks were formed on each 
ranojc and phiced at such a hei^-ht that tliey eould not only over- 
look all the surrounding country, but at the same time they had a 
plunging; fire upon us. 

"Outside the hacienda, and completely commanding the 
avenues of approach, was a field-work extending around two 
sides of the fort, and protected by a deep wet ditch, and armed 
with seven large pieces of cannon. It was garrisoned by about 
two thousand men. This hacienda is at the commencement of 
the causeway leading to the western gate of the city, and had to 
be passed before getting on the road. 

" About three hundred yards in rear of this work, another field- 
work had been built where a cross-road meets the causeway at a 
point where it crosses a river, thus forming a " tete-du-pont," or 
bridge-head. This also was very strong, and armed with three 
large pieces of cannon. The works were surrounded on every 
side by large corn-fields wliich were filled with the enemy's 
skirmishers, so that it was difficult to make a reconnoissance. It 
was therefore decided to make the attack immediately, as they 
were full of men, and extended for nearly a mile on the road to 
the city, completely covering the causeway."* 

Lieutenant Stevens, of the Engineers, having reported a one- 
gun battery across the road leading up from Cuyaocan, the 1st 
artillery was detached to turn it by its left. This movement 
being met by a vigorous fire from the work, Taylor's battery, sup- 
ported by the 3d infantry, took up a position fronting the build- 
ino-s about the church. The tremendous fire which immediately 
opened from that quarter, indicated not only the presence of a 
strong force of the enemy, but Uiat the works were more conside- 
rable than had been at first reported. 

What was supposed to be a one-gun battery proved afterwards 

* Letter to the New York. Courier. 

50 



380 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

to have been the right salient angle of the fiold-wdik which flanked 
the hacienda, and enfiladed the road to Cuyoacan, so that when 
the 1st artillery attempted to turn it, they found themselves in 
front of the work, and exposed to a terrible and plunging fire 
from the musketry, poured through the embrasures of the walls 
beyond. Gallantly standing their ground, they took such cover 
as they could get, and picked off the Mexican infantry at the 
loops whenever an opportunity offered. 

Taylor's battery, though assailed by a most fearful fire of grape, 
canister, musketry, round-shot, and shell, which struck down two 
officers, twenty men, and thirteen horses, not only maintained its 
position, but, for upwards of two hours, was served with a de- 
structive precision and regularity which won the admiration of all 
who witnessed it.* 

While Twiggs was thus actively engaged before the convent 
and hacienda, Shields, on the extreme left, found his command 
confronted by the Mexican reserve, consisting of four thousand 
infantry and three thousand cavalry, drawn up in rear of Churu- 
busco, and on the road towards the capital. Finding it impossi- 
ble to outflank the enemy, owing to the superior character of the 
ground occupied by the latter, and Pierce's brigade being hard 
pressed in consequence, Sibley's troop of 2d dragoons and the 
Rifles, both under command of Major Sumner, were ordered to his 
support. 

Shields now withdrew his men, and under cover of the Haci- 
enda de los Portales, determined to attack the enemy upon his 
front, t 

From this time the battle gradually deepened ; the resolution of 
the Mexicans seemed at length to have caught something of the 
heroic spirit of their Spanish progenitors, and, animated by the 
knowledge of their superior numbers, and confident in the strength 
of their position, they kept up an incessant fire of artillery and 

* Smith's OfTicial Report. t Shields's Oflaial Report. 



381 

THE DESERTERS. "° 



Mnall a,ms, unlil the .kouts of Iheir =..saila„t. and tl.c cr.cs of tl,e 
wounded were ,lrowned in the thunder of the conlhet. 

Then ,t was that the indomitable courage of the American so - 
diers shone conspicuous. The South Carohna and New York 
regiments, whde forming for the charge, endured with urrllmchmg 
inLpidily a fire as terrihle as ever man witnessed * w We 
furU,er to the right, from the walls of San I'ahio, tier above t,er, 
from the roof of the hacienda, and from the steeple of the con- 
vent, the enemy's infantry poured down such rapid volleys of 
musketry, that for three hours, Uie sound of Ureir firing was one 

continuous roll.f . 

Deadlier still ^vasthe service of the artillery from the field-work 
in advance. Three of the pieces were manned by deserters 
from our own army, commanded by the traitor Riley. Knowmg 
that if taken the penalty of their crime was an ignommious death, 
and that their only safety lay in a victory over their own country- 
men, these men fought with the courage of despair, picking oil, 
with the malignity of private revenge, several of the American 
officers whom they recognised, and, at a subsequent period ol 
tire battle, pulling down the white flag of surrender no less than 

three times.^ 

It was about mid-day when the battle became general. An 
hour earlier Worth commenced his movement upon San Antonio. 
The Second Brigade, under Colonel Clarke, advanced up the 
causeway to within five hundred yards of the works, and then stnk- 
ino- otrto the left, across the Pedregal, by the route previously rc- 
cmmoitrcd, turned the enemy's right, and regained the road, a short 
distance in rear of the village, and between it an.l Churubusco. 

During this time the First Brigade, under Colonel Garland, 
remained in front of San Antonio, but masked by an angle of the 
causeway from the direct fire of the batteries. This position was 

* Shields's Official Report. t Letter to the New York Courier. t Ibid. 



.'^82 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

assumed with a view to a direct assault as soon as Clarke's fire 
was opened in rear. 

But the enemy, already shaken by the fall of Contreras, and 
fearful of beinf^ intercepted in his retreat, as soon as Clarke's bri- 
gade threatened his rear, commenced precipitately evacuating his 
position, for the purpose of falling back upon Churubusco. This 
intention, however, was partially frustrated by the rapidity with 
which Clarke dashed forward to gain possession of the road. 
Finding the Mexican garrison in full retreat, two companies of 
the 3d infantry, under Captains Morrill and McPhail, and com- 
manded by Lieutenant-Colonel Scott, precipitated themselves 
furiously upon the column and cut it nearly in the centre, the 
advance portion of it moving upon Churubusco, and the remain- 
der, some two thousand strong, under General Bravo, retreating 
upon Dolores. 

•As soon as Clarke was known to be engaged. Garland's brigade 
moved to the assault of the works in front, but, the enemy being 
found to have already deserted them, it passed quickly through, 
and the two brigades were soon united and in hot pursuit. 

Approaching Churubusco, the hacienda and convent of San 
Pablo were discovered in advance and to the loft of the road, 
crowded with Mexican troops. At a distance of three hundred 
yards to the right, and still further in advance, was the field-work, 
or tete-du-pont, garnished with heavy guns and filled with troops. 
Between the two a continuous line of infantry, and on the left and 
rear the enemy was also seen in force, as far as the eye could 
reach.* 

Twiggs had already been engaged for upwards of an hour, 
when Worth, previously joined on the causeway by Pillow with 
Cadwalader's brigade, arrived before Churubusco close on the 
heels of the fugitives from San Antonio. 

* Worth's Official Report. 



STORM AND SURRENDER OF SAN PABLO. 383 

The whole of Worth's division, as soon as it came within 
musket-sliot of the works, was thrown to tlie right of the road, 
with tlie exception of tlie 6th infantry. 

The hitter, moving to the assault in front, was exposed to a ter- 
rible fire of grape, canister, and musketry, which raked the road 
and momentarily checked its advance, but the 5th and 8th infan- 
try, marching by a flank parallel to the road, drove the enemy's 
skirmishers, and in defiance of a tremendous fire from the tete- 
du-pont, dashed across the deep wet ditch surrounding the work, 
carried it at the point of the bayonet, and instantly turned the 
captured cannon upon the hacienda and convent, before which 
Twiggs was still hotly engaged. 

Duncan's battery of light artillery, no longer exposed to the 
efTects of the heavier metal of the tete-du-pont, now galloped up 
the main road, and opened upon the field work surrounding San 
Pablo. " Seizing the prolongation of a principal face, in a space 
of five minutes, by a fire of astonishing rapidity, the enemy was 
driven from his guns in that quarter and the infantry from their 
intrenchments."* 

The battery was now directed upon the convent. At this time 
Duncan's battery, upon the San Antonio causeway ; Taylor's bat- 
tery, further to the left and in front of the field-work ; and the cap- 
tured guns of the tete-du-pont, were all turned upon San Pablo, 
and within half-an-hour from the storm of the trte-du-pont, the 
enemy's fire visibly slackened under this terrible combination. 
As soon as this was perceived by Smith, the 3d infantry, already 
advanced under cover of some huts near the right bastion, was 
ordered to charge; and, as soon as the brave fellows had partially 
cleared the rarnparts by a fire of musketry, they dashed daunt- 
lessly over, led by Captain J. M. Smith and Lieutenant Shei)pard, 
when the garrison, throwing out several white (lags, surrendered 
themselves prisoners of war. General Rincon, its brave cora- 

* Worih's Ofllcial Report. 



3S4 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

mander, appearing at the balcony with Captain Alexander, just 
as a staff officer despatched by Worth to receive the surrender, 
arrived within the works. 

After the storm of the tete-du-pont, and the surrender of San 
Pablo, that portion of the enemy engaged with Garland's and 
Clarke's brigades, to the left and rear of the former work, gave 
way precipitately. 

Still further to the rear. Shields, operating against the reserve, 
having determined upon an assault in front, formed his command 
accordingly. Selecting the Palmetto regiment as the base of his 
line, the New York and 12th and 15th were deployed to the 
right, and the 9th to the left; the whole then gallantly advanced, 
under a withering discharge of small arms, opening their fire as 
they came up and moving steadily forward. As soon as the enemy 
was observed to waver, the order to charge was given, and the 
naen rushed upon him with the bayonet, broke his ranks, and put 
him to the rout, just as the fugitives from Churubusco came 
wildly up the road, closely pursued by the head of Worth's divi- 
sion * 

All was now confusion. The Mexican cavalry, putting spurs to 
their horses, fled panic-struck ; while the infantry, throwing away 
their arms by thousands, either knelt down by the wayside, and 
with uplifted hands prayed for quarter, or scattered with the speed 
of fear in every practicable direction. 

Harney's bold dragoons were now let loose upon the fugitives, 
and, galloping along the high road to the capital, sabring as 
they went, dashed into the enemy's intrenchments at the very 
gate of the city ; but this itopetuosity laid them open to a severe 
fire of grape from one of the batteries in that quarter, whereby 
Major Mills, of the 15th infantry, a volunteer in the charge, was 
killed. Captain Kearney, who led the squadron, lost his left arm ; 

• Shielda's Official Report. 



RESULT OF THE VICTORY. 385 

Captains McReynolds and Diipeiu Nvere severely wounded, and 
several of the dragoons placed " /lors dti comhaty 

Tims ended the famous 20th of August, a day upon which the 
American troops, in three separate and distinct actions, upon the 
same field, assaulted and signally defeated an enemy from three 
to five times their own number; captured no less than three 
strong positions, protected by ten batteries, jnepared for sixty-one 
guns, and within which thirty-eight guns were taken, together 
with an immense quantity of small arms and ammunition, suffi- 
cient to suj)i)Iy a large army. 

In these actions the Mexicans sufTered a loss in killed and 
wounded of three thousand two hundred and fifty ; and in prison- 
ers two thousand six liundred and twenty-seven, among whom 
were eight generals, and one hundred and ninety-seven subordi- 
nate officers. 

The American loss was, in killed, sixteen officers, and one hun- 
dred and twenty-three rank and file ; and in wounded, sixty offi- 
cers, and eight hundred and sixteen rank and file. 

But, though these brilliant events occurred within a few miles 
of each other, the storm of Contreras and the turning of San 
Antonio were but subordinate parts of the main action at Churu- 
busco. Here General Santa Anna concentrated all his forces for 
a final and determined resistance ; and it is but justice to the 
Mexicans to say, that, at this ])oint, the severe loss on botli sides 
affijrds the strongest evidence that they fought with greater intre- 
pidity than had been exhibited in any previous engagement. 

The battle was indeed most obstinate and bloody, and that a 
crowning triumph should at length have been obtained over a re- 
solute enemy, numbering from twenty-seven to thirty thousand 
men, by a force of nine thousand Americans, exhausted by fight- 
ing, marching, and countermarching for thirty-six hours, is a 
significant proof of the indomitable courage, enero-y, and perse- 
verance by which the latter were animated. 



CHAPTER XXIir. 

Scott's Note to Santa Anna — The Reply — Armistice — Its questionable Policy — 
Peace Negotiations — Mexican Commission — Boundaries — American I'rojeci — 
Mexican Counter- Project— Failure of Negotiations— Infringements of Armistice 
—Warlike temper of the Mexicans— Scott's Letter to Santa Anna— His Answer 
—Trial of the Deserters- Sentence and Execution. 

After the victory of Chumbusco, and wliile the American 
troops were hotly pursuing the discomfited enemy, Scott pro- 
ceeded to Tacubaya, and established his head-quarters in the 
bishop's palace. 

The next morning, wliile on his return to Cuyoacan, he was 
met by commissioners to propose a truce, the terms of which were 
promptly rejected ; but, previous to this, an intimation having been 
received from reliable sources, that an armistice for the purpose 
of opening negotiations for peace would be eagerly accepted 
Scott despatched from Cuyoacan the following note : — 



Akmy U. S. Amekica, 1 
/uyoacan, August 21, 1S47. J 



Head-Quarters, Army U. S. America, 
Ci 



"To his Excellency the President and General-iii-chief of ihe Republic of 
Mexico. 

" Sir : Too much blood has already been shed in this unna- 
tural war between the two great Republics of this continent. It 
is time that the differences between them should be amicably and 
honourably settled, and it is known to yotu- Kxcellency that a 
commissioner on the part of the United States, clothed with full 
powers to that end, is with this army. 
3=i6 



ARMISTICE. 3S7 

<« To cnaMo the two republics to enter on negotiations, I am 
■willin'i^ to sign, on reasonable terms, a short armistice. 

" I shall wait with impatience until to-morrow morning for a 
direct answer to this communication, but shall, in the mean time, 
seize and occupy such positions outside of the capital as I may 
deem necessary to the shelter and comfort of this army. 

" I have the honour to remain, with high consideration and re- 
spect, your Excellency's most obedient servant, 

WINFIELD SCOTT." 

This letter met with an immediate reply from the Mexican 
Secretary of War, in which he stated that the proposition for an 
armistice with the view of an honourable termination of the war, 
had been received with pleasure, by his Excellency the President 
and Commander-in-chief, and that Brigadier-Generals Villamil 
and Quijano, were appointed commissioners to agree upon the 
terms of the armistice. 

The commissioners subsequently appointed on the part of the 
United States, were Major-General Quitman, and Brigadier- 
Generals Smith and Pierce. Shortly afterwards, articles of agree- 
ment were drawn up, and, after some slight modification, received 
the signatures of Generals Scott and Santa Anna. 

The terms of the armistice were as follows : — 

" The undersigned, appointed respectively, the first three by 
Major-General Winfield Scott, commander-in-chief of the armies 
of the United States, and the last two by his Excellency I). Anto- 
nio Lopez de Santa Anna, President of the Mexican Republic, and 
commander-in-chief of its armies, met with full powers, which 
were fully verified in the village of Tacubaya, on the 23d day of 
August, 1847, to enter into an armistice for the purpose of giving 
the Mexican government an opportunity of receiving propositions 
51 



388 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

of peace from the commissioners appointed by the President of 
the United States, and now with the American army, when the 
following articles were agreed upon : 

" Art. 1. Hostilities shall instantly and absolutely cease be- 
tween the armies of the United States of America and the United 
Mexican States, within thirty leagues of the capital of the latter 
States, to allow time to the commissioners appointed by the Uni- 
ted States and the commissioners to be appointed by the Mexican 
Republic, to negotiate. 

" 2. The armistice shall continue as long as the commissioners 
of the two governments may be engaged on negotiations, or until 
the commander of either of the said armies shall give formal no- 
tice to the other of the cessation of the armistice for forty-eight 
hours after such notice. 

" 3. In the mean time, neither army shall, within thirty leagues 
of the city of Mexico, commence any new fortification or mili- 
tary work of offence or defence, or do anything to enlarge or 
strengthen any existing work or fortification of that character 
within the said limits. 

" 4. Neither army shall be reinforced within the same. Any 
reinforcements in troops or munitions of war, other than subsist- 
ence now approaching either army, shall be stopped at the dis- 
tance of twenty-eight leagues from the city of Mexico. 

" 5. Neither army, nor any detachment from it, shall advance 
beyond the line it at present occupies. 

" 6. Neither army, nor any detachment or individual of either, 
shall pass the neutral limits established by the last article, except 
under a flag of truce, bearing the correspondence between the two 
armies, or on the business authorized by the next article ; and 
individuals of either army, who may chance to straggle within 
the neutral limits, shall, by the opposite party, be kindly warned 
off, or sent back to their own armies under flags of truce. 

" 7. The American army shall not, by violence, obstruct the 



ARMISTICK, 3S9 

passage from the open country into the city of ^ffxico, of tlie 
ordinary supplies of food necessary to the consumption of its in- 
habitants, or the Mexican army within the city ; nor shall the 
Mexican authorities, civil or military, do any act to obstruct the 
passage of supplies from the city or country, needed by the 
American army. 

" 8. All American prisoners of war remaining in the hands of 
the Mexican army, and not heretofore exchanged, shall immedi- 
ately, or as soon as practicable, be restored to the American 
army, against a like number, having regard to rank, of Mexican 
prisoners captured by the Americ.an army. 

" 9. All American citizens who were established in the city 
of Mexico prior to the existing war, and who have since been 
expelled from that city, shall be allowed to return to their re- 
spective business or families therein, without delay or inolesta- 
tion. 

"10. The better to enable the belligerent armies to execute 
these articles, and to favour the great object of peace, it is further 
agreed between the parties, that any courier with despatches that 
either army shall desire to send along the line from the city of 
Mexico or its vicinity, to and from Vera Cruz, shall receive a safe 
conduct from the commander of the opposing army. 

'< 11. The administration of justice between Mexicans, accord- 
ing to the general and state constitutions and laws, by the local 
authorities of the towns and places occupied by the American 
forces, shall not be obstructed in any manner. 

" 12. Persons and property shall be respected in the towns and 
places occupied by the American forces. No person shall be 
molested in the exercise of his profession ; nor shall the services 
of any one be required without his consent. In all cases where 
services are voluntarily rendered, a just price shall be paid, and 
trade remain unmolested. 

<< 13. Those wounded prisoners who may desire to remove to 



390 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

some more convenient place, for the })urpose of being cured of 
tlieir wounds, sliall be allowed to do so without molestation, they 
still remaining prisoners. 

" 14. The Mexican medical officers who may wish to attend 
the wounded shall have the privilege of doing so, if their services 
be required. 

"15. For the more perfect execution of this agreement, two 
commissioners shall be appointed, one by each party, who, in 
case of disagreement, shall appoint a third. 

" IC. This convention shall have no force or efl'ect, unless ap- 
proved by their Excellencies, the commanders respectively of the 
two armies, within twenty-four hours, reckoning from the sixth 
hour of the 23d day of August, 1847. 

A. Quitman, Maj. Gen. U. S. A. 
Persifor F. Smith, Brig. Gen. 
« Franklin Pierce, Brig. Gen. U. S. A. 

Ignacio de Mora y Villamil, 
Benito Quijano. 
"A true copy of the original. 

G. W. Lay, U. S. A., 

Military Secretary to the General-in-chicf.''^ 



HEAD-QrAKTKRS OF THE ArMY U. S. 

Tacubava, August 23, 1847. 



\ 

" Considered, approved, and ratified, with the express under- 
standing that the word ^^ supplies,'''' as used the second time, with- 
out qualification, in the seventh article of this military convention 
— American copy — shall be taken to mean (as in both the British 
and American armies) arms, munitions, clothing, equipments, 
subsistence (for men), forage, and in general, all the wants of an 
army. Tiiat word " supplies," in the Mexican copy, is errone- 
ously translated " viveres," instead of" recursos." 

WINFIELD SCOTT, 
General-vi-chief of the U. S. A.''^ 



ARMISTICE. 391 

[Translation.] 
" Ratified, suppressing the ninth article, and explaining the 
fourth, to the efli^ct that the temporary peace of this armistice 
shall be observed in the capital and twenty-eight leagues around 
it ; and agreeing that the word supplies shall be translated recur- 
sos ; and that it comprehends everything of which the army may 
have need, except arms and ammunition. 

ANTOiNIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA." 

" IlEAD-QrARTERS Army U. S. of America, ) 
Tacubaya, August 24, 1847. ) 

" r accept and ratify the foregoing qualification, added by the 
President-general of the Mexican Republic. 

WINFIELD SCOTT." 
<< A true copy of the original. 

G. W. L.^Y, U. S. A., 

Military Secretary to the General-in-cJneJ'.'''* 

"Head-Quarters Army U. S. of America,^ 
Tacubaya, August 23, lt47. J 

"To his Excellency the President and General-in-chief of the Mexican 
Republic : 

<< Sir : Under a flag of truce, I send Lieutenant Semraes, of 
the United States navy, who will have the honour to exchange 
with such officer as may be appointed for the purpose, the ratifi- 
cation of the military convention that was signed yesterday, by 
commissioners from the American and Mexican armies. 

" I particularly invite the attention of your Excellency to the 
terms of my ratification, and have the honour to remain, with high 
consideration and respect, your Excellency's most obedient 
servant, 

WINFIELD SCOTT, 
General-in-chief of the U. S. army.^^ 



392 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

[Translation.] 

"National Palace of Mexico, 
August 23, 1847. 

" I have the note of your Excellency, of this date, in which you 
are pleased to say that Lieutenant Semmes, of the navy of the 
United States, will exchange, with another officer named for that 
purpose, the ratification of the military convention which was 
signed yesterday by commissioners of the Mexican and Ameri- 
can armies, and calls particular attention to the terms of the rati- 
fication. 

" The most excellent President orders the undersigned to say to 
your Excellency, as he has the honour to do, that he orders its 
ratification within the time agreed in the armistice ; and he is also 
charged to direct the attention of your Excellency to the terms of 
ratification by his Excellency the President. 

" I have the honour to be, &c., 

LINO JOSE ALCORTA, 
Minister of State, and of War and Marine. 
To his Excellency, the General-in-chief of the U. S. Army." 

The policy of this armistice has been doubted by many. 

The disorganization of the Mexican army was so complete after 
the. battle of Churubusco, that it is well known the Americans, by 
pushing forward the same evening, might have entered the capi- 
tal, almost without resistance. 

Whether tliey were in a condition to advance, after the severe 
fatigues of the 19th and 20th, or whether they could have main- 
tained possession of the city with so many of the surrounding de- 
fences still held by the enemy, are questions which have acquired 
importance from the events that subsequently transpired, and the 
diversity of opinions hitherto prevailing. 



QUESTIONABLE POLICY OF TIIK ARMISTICE. 393 

To improve a victory to its fullest extent, by grasping all the 
advantages that victory offers, is at all times the surest way to 
bring an antagonist to terras ; while, to stop short at the moment of 
success, enables the enemy to recover from the paralysis of defeat, 
and but too often jeopards results which might otherwise have 
been considered certain. 

The American army being then avowedly in the most favoura- 
ble position at this time for entering, with comparatively small 
loss, the city of Mexico, we incline to the belief that the wisest 
policy would have been to have pressed on, to have taken the 
opportunity which the panic of the enemy presented, and allowed 
him no time to recover from his fears, and rally behind new de- 
fences. 

The adventurous Kearney, with the small but daring squadron 
under his command, did actually penetrate to the very gates of 
the city ; and, had a sufficiently strong supporting force moved 
rapidly upon the heels of the fugitives, the small number of de- 
fenders behind the breastworks being operated upon by the pre- 
sence of a victorious array, and their confidence weakened by that 
vague but powerful sense of terror, which the experience of an 
overwhelming disaster so certainly creates, would have soon given 
way, and the network of obstacles, which subsequently compelled 
the General-in-chief to advance by a different road, being thus 
easily cut through, perhaps the serious losses which afterwards 
befell the American troops before the Molino del Rey and Cha- 
pultepec, might have been avoided altogether. 

The reasons given by General Scott for offering an armistice 
at this juncture were. 

First : The information of intelligent and disinterested men, 
that the Mexican Government were prepared to listen favourably 
to the project of a treaty of peace, amity, and lasting boundaries, 
of which Mr. Trist, as the agent of the Executive of the United 
States, was known to be the bearer. 



394 HISTORY OF THE MF.XICAN WAR. 

Secondly: That it was feared if the cajiital was entered by force 
of arras and the government dispersed, a spirit of national despe- 
ration would be engendered, and the hope of accommodation 
indefinitely postponed. 

Thirdly: A humane desire to shield the Mexicans from the 
crowning dishonour of beholding a victorious enemy in possession 
of the chief city of their republic. 

The argument of others is, that the severe marches and battles 
of the 19th and 20th left the Americans too much shaken by 
losses and fatigue to advance immediately ; but, as they subse- 
quently took possession of the city with only six thousand men, 
after storming the formidable heights of Chapultepec, and forcing 
the well defended Garitas of San Cosme and Belen, it cannot be 
questioned that the same result could have been at least as readily 
achieved at a time when the effective force of the army numbered 
eight thousand men, and while the causeway of San Antonio lay 
comparatively open to their advance, the few troops at that Garita 
being already terribly shaken by the victory of Churubusco. 

But, as the General-in-chief admits the ease with which the 
capital might have been taken on the evening of the 20th, it may 
not be amiss to examine how far his own reasons justified either 
the proposal or the acceptance of an armistice, taking into con- 
sideration the commanding position he occupied, with the capital 
avowedly within his grasp. 

There is no doubt that the American residents and intelligent 
neutrals who cautioned General Scott against precipitancy, sin- 
cerely believed the Mexicans at length desired peace ; but, as 
the interior line of defences surrounding the city still afforded the 
latter a further means of resistance, were time allowed them to 
reunite their shattered forces, the sincerity of their seeming rea- 
diness to treat — taking in view their characteristic pride and 
obstinacy — might well have been doubted. 

Every hour's delay was of eminent service to them, by reviving 



QUKSTIONABLE POUCY OF TIIK ARMISTICF.. ^^'^ 

their droopino- courao-c, unci by infusing, ^vith increase of numbers, 
new hopes of eventual success. 

To the Americans the pause ^vas pregnant ^vith danger, ru^t 
only by chasing the avenues easUy accessible at present, but by 
tlireatening their future safety. 

A lar<re\.odv oi the enemy ^vas kno^vn to be in their rear, and 
their reinforcements ^vere too f.r back to be available in the event 
of an emergency; while in their front it was soon to be shown 
how little regard was paid by the enemy to the solemnly ratified 
articles of the armistice, by the Mexican population being seen 
openly engaged in the erection of breastworks, and in stdl iurther 
obstructing, in various ways, the approaches to the city. 

The forcible entrance into the capital, the efTect of ^vhlch it 
was supposed would jeopard the prospects of peace, was also 
subsequently made ; and the absolute quiet that ensued was suffi- 
cient evidence that the possession of the city and the dispersion 
of the government, so far from rousing the people to a more cla- 
morous outcry in favour of the further prosecution of the war, 
was the first event which brought home to them the reality of 
their condition, and seriously inclined them to listen to terms of 
accommodation. 

But, though the armistice may have been impolitic, there is not 
tl,e sli'-htest reason to suppose that General Scott, in granting it, 
was actuated by any other feeling than that of the most exalted 
humanity. The forlorn situation of the Mexican people, proud, 
obstinate, and unreasoning as they had proved themselves, could 
not have been witnessed by him without a chivalric desire to 
spare them the last and bitterest scene of degradation-the sight 
of a victorious enemy wiU.in the very walls of a capital whu^h 
the valour of their ancestors had surrounded with so many heroic 
associations. Nor could his frank nature have easily imagined 
them so lost to all sense of moral obligation, as to seek to take 
advantage of the humane forbearance of tl^ conqueror, by using 
52 



396 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

the respite allowed them, not for the stipulated purpose of termi- 
nating existing difficulties by an honourable peace, but with the 
treacherous view of improving the interval in strengthening them- 
selves for a continuance of the war. 

A sterner soldier would have pushed on, regardless of the piti- 
able condition of the enemy; a humane one would have paused, 
as Scott did, and, in trusting to the honour of such an enemy, 
would have found himself in like manner deceived. Although, 
perhaps, by a wiser policy, war w'ith Mexico miglrt have been 
avoided, it will redound to the eternal honour of our country, that 
we conducted it agreeably to the dictates of an exalted humanity ; 
and that we were ready at all times to terminate a contest w'hich 
was prolonged by the indomitable obstinacy of the Mexican 
people. 

The armistice, however, being ratified, the American troops 
were quartered in different villages, within supporting distance 
of each other, leaving Mr. Trist, on the part of the United States, 
to open negotiations for peace with the Mexican government. 

Accordingly, on the 25th of August, that gentleman wrote to 
Mr. Pacheco, the Mexican Minister for Foreign Affairs, informing 
him of his readiness to treat, and on the succeeding day received 
answer that the Mexican commissioners, then in the act of being 
appointed, would meet at the village of Atzcopozalco, on the 
morning of the "iTth ; and, in accordance therewith, Generals Her- 
rera, Conto, and Villamil, Don Miguel Atristain, and Don Jose 
Miguel Arroyo, were accredited on the part of the Mexican go- 
vernment, to confer with Mr. Trist, at the place designated. 

Negotiation now commenced, but from the lofty attitude 
assumed by the Mexican commissioners, under the instruction of 
their government, it soon became apparent that the peace which 
America so earnestly sought, could only be obtained by sacrifices 
incompatible with her honour. 

The preliminary condition insisted upon by the Mexicans, that 



PEACE NEGOTIATIONS. 397 

the treaty should be m;ule upon the basis that they had triumphed 
and were yet in a situation to successfully prosecute the war, 
might have been accorded by the United States with a smile of 
contempt for the weakness that dictated an assumption so well 
known to be utterly at variance with the facts; but when Mexico 
refused to recognise the Rio Grande, which had been claimed by 
the United States government as the boundary of the two repub- 
lics, and pertinaciously insisted upon the line of the Nueces, 
tliough professing herself willing to stipulate that the interval 
between the two rivers should remain uninhabited, the impression 
soon became general, that President Santa Anna had hailed the 
armistice rather as a means of delaying the advance of General 
Scott until he was again prepared to oppose him, than as affording 
an opening for the ratification of a permanent peace. 

It is true that the " project of a treaty," of which Mr. Trist was 
the bearer from his government, was discussed by the Mexican 
commissioners, and it is equally true that they offered in return a 
counter-project ; but, as Mr. Trist was clothed with no powers to 
treat for peace upon any other terms than those stipulated in the 
instrument he had been delegated to present, it could hardly have 
been supposed that he would assume the responsibility of altering 
boundaries already strictly defined by his government. 

The question of boundaries involved a cession of territory by 
Mexico to the United States, for which the latter oflt;red an equi- 
valent in money. 

These boundaries, as proposed by the fourth article of the pro- 
ject submitted by Mr. Trist, were as follows ; That the boundary 
line of the two republics should commence at the mouth of the 
Rio Grande ; follow the middle of that river until it reached the 
southern boundary of New Mexico ; thence west with that line 
to the western boundary ; thence north vvitli the river Gila, and 
through the mouth of that river down the middle of the Gulf of 
California into the Pacific. 



39S HISTOHY OF TIIK MF.XICAN AVAR. 

By this article it will be seen that the United States demanded 
the acknowledgment of the Rio Grande as her true boundary, 
and required the cession by purchase of about ten degrees of 
thinly inhabited territory, including within its limits the depart- 
ment of New Mexico and Upper and Lower California. In 
addition to this, a free right of way for ever across the isthmus of 
Tehuantepec was demanded by a subsequent article. 

In their counter-project the Mexican commissioners proposed 
to commence the boundary line of the two republics in the bay 
of Corpus Christi, thence to the mouth of the Nueces, thence 
with the middle of the latter river to its source, thence west to 
the eastern boundary of New Mexico, thence north with that 
boundary to the 37th degree of latitude, thence west to tlie Pacific. 

In other words, they claimed the disputed territory between the 
Nueces and the Rio Grande, and declined ceding the greater part 
of New Mexico, the southern portion of Upper California, or any 
of Lower California. 

The commissioners also declared their inability to grant a free 
right of way across the isthmus of Tehuantepec, on the plea that 
the Mexican government had, some years before, divested itself 
of the power to do so, by granting a privilege with reference to 
this object to a private contractor, by whom it had been transferred, 
with the authority of the Mexican government, into the hands of 
English subjects, of whose rights Mexico could not dispose. 

In an effort to adjust these differences, and finding the Mexican 
commissioners resolute in adhering to the boundary of the Nueces, 
as the condition '■'■sine qxiavon'^'' of peace, Mr. Trist did eventually 
so far depart from the letter of his instructions, as to offer to refer 
the question of that boundary to his government, and to abandon 
the claim to Lower California alto£rether: but at the same time he 
insisted upon the cession of New Mexico, and upon this latter 
point neither party being willing to yield to the other, the nego- 
tiations fell through. 



WARLIKK TONE OF THE MEXICANS. 399 

However sincere the Mexican commissioners may have been, 
personally, in their efforts to promote a peace, the instructions by 
which they were fettered showed that their government was far 
from desirous of participating in such a result. Perhaps, indeed, 
peace might have been obtained, had the United States been 
willing to yield all the points of controversy, and further agreed 
to surrender the line of the Rio Grande and fall back upon the 
Nueces ; but such a retrogression, even had the Mexican proposi- 
tion been referred by Mr. Trist, would never have been acceded 
to by his government. 

But, long previous to the close of the armistice, the warlike 
temper of the Mexican people had made itself apparent. Inde- 
pendent of their almost undisguised efforts to fortify the approaches 
to the city, the representatives of the states of Mexico, Jalisco, 
and Zacatecas united in a protest in which they asserted that " the 
city of Mexico would not allow the necessary freedom in its 
discussions and deliberations, if Congress should assemble in that 
city." 

They declared also, that any arrangement made in relation to 
foreign affairs, unless ratified by Congress, would be unconstitu- 
tional, and that their only motive for protesting against the nego- 
tiation then pending, was to save the republic "from the ignominy 
of a treaty conclutled and ratified under the guns of the enemy, 
and on the day succeeding unlooked-for reverses." 

In addition to this, a circular was sent by the Secretary of State 
to the states of Puebla and Mexico, exhorting the people to grasp 
whatever arms they could conveniently obtain, and by fire and 
sword, and every oiher practicaljle means, endeavour to annihilate 
the invaders. 

Matters were now drawing to a crisis. On the 6th of Septem- 
ber, the day before the failure of the negotiations was fully 
ascertained, Scott addressed a letter to the Mexican (n'neral-in- 
chief, complaining of repeated violations of the armistice, and 



^00 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

threatening a resumption of hostilities, unless full satisfaction was 
accorded before twelve o'clock of the following day. 

To this General Santa Anna replied in a letter of the same date, 
indignantly denying the charges specified, and accusing his 
antagonist of similar infractions of the truce. This closed the 
correspondence ; on the 7th, the negotiations were publicly 
declared to be abortive, and both parties entered into active pre- 
parations for the renewal of the war. 

During the pending of the armistice, an event occurred which 
produced emotions of painful regret among many of the Mexican 
people. This was the trial of the deserters from the American 
army, taken in arms against their own countrymen at the battle 
of Churubusco. 

These men, after clandestinely quitting the colours of the Uni- 
ted States, had enrolled themselves in the service of the enemy, 
by whom they had been formed into two companies, under the 
title of the companies of St. Patrick, commanded by the notorious 
Riley, a man whose undaunted courage won the admiration even 
of those who abhorred his treason. They had fought long and 
desperately in the field-work before the convent of San Pablo, 
and were not taken prisoners until their Mexican comrades had 
fled, and their own ammunition was entirely exhausted. 

At a general court-martial, over which Colonel Bennett Riley 
presided, twenty-nine of these deserters were tried and found 
guilty, sixteen of whom were hung on the 10th of September, at 
San Angel, and four the day following, at Mixcoac. 

At a subsequent general court-martial, of which Colonel Gar- 
land was president, thirty-six more were tried and convicted, 
thirty of whom were also executed at Mixcoac, on the 13th of 
September. 

The remainder on both occasions, amounting to fifteen in num- 
ber, owing to mitigating circumstances, had their sentences 
commuted to lashing and branding ; among the latter was the 



EXECUTION OF THR Di:SKRT|-.KS. 401 

commander, Riley, wlio escaped the extreme penalty of the law 
by having deserted previous to the formal declaration of war by 
the United States. 

Thus ignorainiously perishctl, by the hanils of their indignant 
comrades, fifty convicted traitors, whose weapons at Buena Vista 
and at Churubusco had been wantonly turned against the colours 
they had sworn to defend, and the nation to which they owed 
allegiance. It was a terrible spectacle, and only to be justified 
by the enormity of the crime, which had, however, been provoked, 
throughout the whole war, by the allurements with which the 
Mexican generals basely tempted them. 






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DESCRIPTION OF CHAPULTEPEC. 403 

in tht" vicinity of the city by numerous lakes, the borders of wliich 
are beautified by the residences of wealthy Mexicans, <Tleaming 
whitelyfrom the midst of groves and gardens, while, interspersed 
throughout its whole extent to the base of the furthest mountains, 
are seen wide stretches of cultivated land, diversified by noble 
orchards and evergreen forests, and intersected by the silver 
threads of many fair rivers. The imposing haciendas of large 
landed proprietors, and villages and hamlets innumerable, are 
scattered all about, some boldly relieved by back-grounds of lux- 
uriant foliage, and others partly hidden by intervening trees, or 
the swells and undulations of the plain. The central attraction 
of this beautiful valley, the city of Mexico, is approached from 
the plain on various sides by five great or main roads, termina- 
ting in eight causeways, elevated some six feet above the marshes 
and soft grounds by which the city is partially surrounded. 
These marshes render any approach to the city impracticable, ex- 
cept by the causeways, each of which " presents a double road- 
way on tlie sides of an aqueduct of strong masonry and great 
height, resting on open arches and massive pillars, and flanked 
by ditches of unusual dimensions."* At the end of these cause- 
ways, Garitas are built over arches, through the gates of which 
all persons are compelled to pass before they can enter the city ; 
and at this time the gates were defended by a system of strong 
works, and the passage of the causeways protected by numerous 
batteries and breastworks for infantry. 

But the causeways of Belen and San Cosme — the routes 
by which General Scott proposed to advance — had other and 
more formidable defences still. These were the works of Molino 
del Rey, Casa de Mata, and the castle of Chapultepec. 

Chapultepec, or " the hill of the grasshopper," is famous in 
tradition as the favourite resort of the unfortunate Montezuma, 
and the princes of the old Aztec empire, whose wealth and serai- 

Scoll's Ofilcial Reports, Nos. 33 and 34. 

53 



101 HISTORY OF THK MKA'TCAX WAR. 

barbaric taste are slrikiiisj^ly attested by the gardens and cypress 
groves, anil the ruins of tanks and grottos which yet remain scat- 
tered around. 

This natural isolated mound, composed of porphyritic rock, is 
of considerable height, ami commands from its summit an exten- 
sive prospect of the beautiful valley below and of the mountains 
encircling it. The western side, its most accessible point, is 
clothed for some distance upwards with a stately grove of cypress; 
beyond this the iace of the hill presents a series of abrupt ascents 
over rocks and chasms. The summit is crowned with an imposing 
and strongly fortified structure, originally erected by tlie Viceroy 
Galvez as a palace. It was subsequently converted under tlie 
republic into a military college, and, at the period of tlie resump- 
tion of hostilities, was garrisoned in part by the cadets of that 
institution. 

At the western foot of the liill, adjoining the grove, is a group 
of stone buildings, known as El Molino del Rey, or the King's 
Mill ; and, as the only practicable approach to the fortress above 
was on this side, EI JMolino del Rey was heavily garrisoned to 
defend it, and in return was itself protected by Chapultepec, 
being directly under the guns of the latter. 

About five hundred yards still further to the west, and at the 
foot of the riilge that slopes grailually from the heights above 
Tacubaya to the plain below, is an old Spanish work, called Casa 
de jMata, consisting of a strong stone citadel, recently repaired 
and enlarged, and surrountled with bastioned intrenchments, and 
impassable ditches. El Molino del Rey was supposed to be used 
bv the (.'uemy lor the founding of cannon, and the Casa de Mata 
as a magazine. 

As Molino del Rey defended the only access to the fortress of 
Chapultepec, and as the latter commanded the approaches to the 
city from Tacubaya, it was necessary to take Molino del Rey, 
before Chapultepec could be effectually assaulted, and afterwards 



MOMNO DKI. UKY. 1(15 

C'liiipullfpoc, l)(>r(ir(> llic soutli-wcstcrii a\('iiucs citlicr of l^'lrii or 
San Cosmi' could hr tmvcrscd willi any iinssil)lr liopc of success. 

Another reason for llic reduction of Moliiio del Key, was the 
impression entertained thai certain church-hells had been sent 
out from the city for the pur|)ose of Ijeini; cast into cannon ; and 
this impression was the more prohahle, inasmuch as the immense 
nund)er of ^uns already captuicd fiom the enemy had imt left 
hiui witli sulHcient remaining to arm, all at the same time, the 
strong works at each of the eiglit Garitas.* The destruction of 
the powder in the magazine of Casa de Mata was also considered 
of primary importance. 

Accordingly, on tlie 7th of September, after a personal recon- 
noissancc of Molino del lley and Casa de Mata by Generals 
Scott and Worth, the latter was ordered to attack the following 
morning those lines and defences with his division reinforced ]jy 
Cadwalader's brigade of Pillow's division, tlirei* s([uadi()ns of 
dragoons under Major Sumner, and some heavy guns of the siege- 
train under Captain linger of the ordnance and Captain Drum 
of the 4th artillery. Worth's division, and the reinforcements 
detailed for (his ])erilous service, amounted in all to only three 
thousand one hundred men. 

The instructions given by the General-in-chief to Worth, 
limited his operations to carrying Casa de Mata and Molino del 
Rey, capturing the enemy's artillery, and after destroying the 
machinery and innlericl supjiosed to be in the foutidry, he was 
to immediately withdraw his command to its former position in 
the village of Tacubaya,t until certain contemplated reconnois- 
sances upon the southern gates should enable the former to decide 
upon the most lavourable j)oint for his future operations. 

Fully sensible of the im|)ortance of maintaining these posts, the 
Mexican general occupied the lines with his troops in great force. 

♦ .Scott's Otlicial Despatch, No. 3'.). 

t Worlli's Oflicial Report, September lOtli, 1817. 



406 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

A daring reconnoissance, made on the morning of the 7th, by 
Captain Mason, of the Engineers, subsequently verified by the 
enemy's own statement, determined the Mexican left as resting 
upon and occupying the group of stone buildings called Molino 
del Rey, This wing, commanded by General Leon, was composed 
of National Guards, and consisted of the battalion of Mina, those 
of Union and La Patria or Oaxaca, with a few companies from 
Puebla and Queretaro. 

The right wing, the brigade of Perez, rested on Casa de Mata, 
and was composed of regulars, fifteen hundred strong. 

Midway between these was a field-battery, supported on each 
side by lines of infantry, amounting to ten thousand men. These 
were under the immediate command of General Santa Anna. 

A second reconnoissance was made by Captain Mason and 
Colonel Duncan on the afternoon of the same day, and the results 
of both alike indicated the centre as the weak point of the enemy, 
and that his left flank on Molino del Rey was stronger than his 
right.* 

As the orders of General Scott had reference only to the defences 
at the foot of Chapultepec, the storm of the latter remaining yet 
to be determined on. Worth found it necessary, in disposing his 
forces for the attack, to isolate the works below from the fortress 
above. 

Accordingly, Garland's brigade, with two pieces of Drum's 
battery, was ordered to take position on the enemy's left, for the 
purpose of watching Molino del Rey and any supporting force 
that might be sent down from Chapultepec. This position was 
also to be within sustaining distance of the assaulting column, 
and of Huger's battery of ■24-pounders, the latter being placed on 
the ridge sloping from Tacubaya, some five or six hundred yards 
from El Molino. 

An assaulting column of five hundred men, under Brevet Majo» 

* Worth's Report. 



ATTACK ON MOLINO DKL REY. 407 

Wright, was posted on the same ridge, to the left of Huger's 
battery, for the purpose of forcing the enemy's centre. 

Clarke's brigade, commanded by Colonel Mcintosh, and 
strengthened by Duncan's battery, was stationed still further up 
the ridge, opposite the enemy's right — Casa de Mata — with 
instructions to look to the left flank, sustain the storming party if 
necessary, or to attack the enemy, as circumstances might dictate. 

Cadwalader's brigade was held in reserve in a position yet 
further up the ridge, between Huger's battery and Clarke's bri- 
gade, and within easy support of either. 

Sumner's cavalry enveloped the extreme left, with orders to act 
in any manner that commander might think best.* 

Accordingly, under cover of the darkness, at three o'clock on 
the morning of the 8th the troops were put in motion, and at 
early dawn were found as accurately posted as if for review. 

The battle commenced by Huger's guns opening upon Molino 
del Rey, which was actively continued until that part of the 
enemy's line was sensibly shaken, when the storming column, 
guided by Captain Mason and Lieutenant Foster of the Engineers, 
dashed forward to the assault. Undismayed by a tremendous fire 
of artillery and small-arms, they rushed upon the artillerymen 
and infantry, drove them at the point of the bayonet, took the 
battery, and turned the captured guns upon the retreating masses. 

But this success was only temporary. On discovering the 
smallness of the force by which his position had been stormed, 
the enemy rallied and made a desperate effort to regain it. 
Assisted by the infantry which covered the house-tops and had a 
plunging fire upon the battery, his whole line poured a terrific fire 
of musketry upon the stormers, which struck down eleven out of 
the fourteen officers composing the command, among whom 
Major Wright, Captain Mason, and Lieutenant Foster fell severely 
wounded. Staggered by this unexpected revulsion, the stormers 

* Worth's Report. 



409 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

were falling back, when the light battalion under Captain E. 
Kirby Smith moved rapidly up to their support, and, precipitating 
themselves upon the enemy, shattered his advancing ranks, and 
recaptured the position, and held it. 

In the mean while, Garland's brigade, supported by Drum's 
ar^llery, bore down upon Molino del Rey, and although every 
inch of the ground was obstinately disputed by the enemy, 
succeeded in driving him from that strong hold, when Drum's 
section and Huger's battery immediately advanced, and adding 
the guns captured from the enemy to their own pieces, poured a 
destructive fire upon his retreating masses until they were beyond 
reach. 

During the time these intrepid and successful assaults were 
being made on the left and centre, Duncan's battery opened upon 
Casa de Mata and continued its fire with terrible activity, until 
Molino del Rey and the enemy's centre were pierced and taken ; 
when, being masked by Mcintosh's brigade as it moved to the 
assault, and observing a large force of cavalry and infantry rapidly 
moving to the support of Casa de Mata, it dashed forward promptly 
to meet them, in concert with Andrews' voltigeurs of Cadwalader's 
brigade, and opening fire upon the cavalry as they came up, 
shattered their ranks and drove them back in confusion; Sumner's 
dragoons now dashed gallantly up and completed the discomfi- 
ture, while the battery returned to its former position. 

During the progress of this brilliant affair, Mcintosh's brigade, 
animated by the successes of their comrades, moved intrepidly 
to the attack of Casa de Mata; and now, for the first time, its 
great strength, which had hitherto been skilfully concealed, be- 
came fearfully apparent. The reconnoitring parties had mistaken 
for an ordinary field-work what proved to be a regular fortification, 
garrisoned by the choicest troops in the Mexican service. 

Notwithstanding this ominous developement, the brigade reso- 
lutely })ressed forward. 



STORMING OF CASA DK MATA. 409 

The enemy waited quietly until it approaclied within one 
hundred yards of his first position, when he poured in a terrible 
fire of musketry ; but finding the Americans, though much cut up, 
still undauntedly advancing, lie retreated to his second position 
beliind the walls of Casa de Mata and the breastworks in front. 
From this shelter, he continued to pour volley after volley upon 
tlie devoted column of assailants, who, staggering on under a 
murderous fire, at length reached the slope of the parapet. 

Their heroic bravery could carry them no further. Colonel 
Mcintosh and Major White had already fallen severely wounded, 
and Lieutenant-Colonel Martin Scott was killed in the act of 
urging his men across the ditch which separated them from 
the enemy. With their muskets foul and unserviceable, their 
ammunition nearly expended, and with one-third of the noble 
brigade, including one-half of the officers, killed and wounded, 
they fell slowly and reluctantly back in rear of Duncan's battery. 
These guns, no longer masked by the movements of the brigade, 
now opened a retributive fire upon Casa de Mata ; and so terrible 
was the effect of the rapidity and precision with which the pieces 
were served, that the enemy, unable to endure the avenging 
storm, precipitately abandoned the post he had hitherto so obsti- 
nately defended, and sought securer refuge under the guns of 
Chapultepec. 

Thus, in the terse language of General Worth, was << fought 
and won" the battle of Molino del Rey, in w'hich his command 
of three thousand one hundred men, after two hours' severe fight- 
ing, carried the strong works at the foot of Chapultepec ; routed 
fourteen thousand of the enemy, led by General Santa Anna in 
person ; killed and wounded twenty-two hiuidred, among the 
former of whom were Generals Valdarez and Leon, the second 
and tliird in command ; took over eight hundred prisoners, inclu- 
ding fifty-two commissioned officers ; and captured a battery of 



410 HISTORY OF THE MKXICAN WAR. 

four pieces, together with a large quantity of ammunition and 
small-arms. 

In this terrible contest, the American loss was seven hundred 
and eighty-seven killed and wounded, fifty-eight of M'hom were 
officers. 

The enemy being dispersed at all points, in obedience to the 
instructions of the General-in-chief, Casa de Mata was blown up, 
and the cannon-moulds and useless ammunition destroyed ; after 
which Worth returned with his command to Tacubaya, to await 
the result of future reconnoissances. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

Defences of the Southern Gates — Pronounced impracticable — Scott determines to 
assault Chapuliepec — Formidable Character of the Works — Mask Movement 
upon the Southern Gates — Movements of Pillow and Quitman — The Batteries 
opened upon Chapultepec — Operations of Twiggs on the San Angel Road — As- 
sault of Chapultepec — Its Capture — Worth's Movement against the Garita of 
San Cosme — His Success — Tacubaya Causeway crossed by Quitman — Garita 
Belen carried — The City of Mexico taken — Surrender by the Mexican Authori- 
ties — Quitman Marches to the Grand Plaza — American Colours hoisted on the 
National Palace. 

TiiK (learly-bouglit victory of IMolino del Rey was promptly 
followed up by the reconnoissances already projected, with the 
view of ascertaining the most practicable route by which the city 
could be approached. 

The result of a close and daring scrutiny, principally towards 
the gates of the Piedad, Nino Perdido, San Antonio, and Paseo de 
laViga, showed that a navigable canal, both wide and deep, and 
very difficult to bridge in the presence of an enemy, stretched 
along the southern front of the city, while the causeways, running 
for the most part through wet meadoAvs and boggy grounds, were 
not only flanked by broad ditches fdled with water, but were cut 
up in numerous places, to impede the progress of the troops, who 
would be exposed at the same time to severe cross fires from the 
Garitas, and from batteries and infantry breastworks, thrown up 
at every available point. 

The impracticability of these approaches being determined, 
Scott concluded to storm Chapultepec, and force an entrance into 
the city by the causeways either of San Cosme or Tacubaya. 
54 411 



412 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

The prospects of success even here were scarcely less problem- 
atical ; for, notwithstanding the destruction of Molino del Rey 
and Casa de Mata, the hill of Chapultepec still presented an array 
of obstacles of the most formidable description. 

The base of the hill was girdled by a stone wall some four feet 
thick, and about twenty feet in height. Inside of this lay a con- 
siderable body of troops, protected by breastworks and the im- 
mense trunks of ancient cypresses. 

The lower slope of the hill was mined in all directions, with 
the trains laid ready to be fired at any moment. Beyond the 
mines, and about midway of the ascent, was a strong redoubt, 
clasping the entire front. This also was filled with troops. Above 
this redoubt was an inner wall, enclosing the crest of the hill, 
with a wide and deep ditch and counterscarp. Inside this wall 
was the main citadel or fortress of Chapultepec, filled with troops, 
■with eleven pieces of cannon, some of them of the largest calibre, 
and these commanded the approaches on all sides — the cause- 
ways leading to the city, and even the city itself. 

In order to economize the lives of his troops, by deceiving the 
enemy as to the real })oint of attack, Scott arranged a movement 
upon a diflerent point than that which he intended as the true one. 
Following out the orders of the General-in-chief, Quitman's divi- 
sion marched by daybreak on the 10th, to join the division of Pil- 
low before the southern gates, and after this open exhibition of 
strength in that quarter, the two divisions proceeded by night 
secretly to Tacubaya, to operate upon Chapultepec, leaving only 
Twiggs, with Riley's brigade and Steptoe's and Taylor's batte- 
ries, in front of the southern gates, to maintain the deception by a 
series of menacing mancruvres and by false attacks. 

This admirably executed stratagem was completely successful. 
Fully convinced that an attack was contemplated upon the southern 
gates, the enemy heavily reinforced his troops in that direction, 
and increased the strength of his defences by additional breast- 



PRKPAKATIOXS FOR THE ATTACK. 413 

works and batteries; nor was he untleceived until the evening of 
the L'Jth, when it was loo late to repair his error. 

As soon as the divisions of Pillow and Quitman reached Tacu- 
baya on the night of the 11th, they \vere ordered into position 
before Chapultepec. In the course of the same night four batte- 
ries were established within easy range of that point ; and, as it 
was the intention of the General-in-chief to delay the assault until 
the fortifications were w'cU crippled by his artillery. Pillow and 
Quitman were ordered to remain passive until that object was 
etrected. 

On the morning of the 12th the batteries opened their fire upon 
Chapultepec and its outworks, under the direction of Captain 
Huger, and the bondjardment and cannonade were continued 
with marked effect during the whole of that day, and down 
through the evening, until it became too dark to distinguish 
objects. 

During this time, Twiggs, on the San Angel road, was holding 
a considerable part of the Mexican army in check, and his batte- 
ries were heard again in full activity, when Huger's guns reopened 
upon Chapultepec on the morning of the 13th. 

The period for closer and more determined action having at 
length arrived, the plan of attack, which was in two columns, 
commanded by Generals Quitman and Pillow, was ordered to be 
simultaneously commenced on the west and south-east sides of 
the works. 

An assaulting party of two hundred and fifty picked men, com- 
manded by Captain McKenzie of the 2d artillery, was furnished 
by Worth's division to precede the column under Pillow, and a 
similar one, led by Captain Casey of the 2d infantry, was su}){)lied 
by the division of Twiggs, to aid the column of (Quitman. The 
remainder of Worth's division was held in reserve near Molino 
del Rey, with orders to support Pillow's attack, while that of 
Quitman was sustained in like manner by Smith's brigade, which 



414 HISTORY Ol-' TIIF, MI^XICAN WAR. 

had moved up for the purpose that morning from the vilhige of 
Piedad. 

At eight o'clock on the morning of the 13th, the momentary 
cessation of the heavy batteries gave the preconcerted signal for 
the assaulting columns to advance. Pillow, who had occupied 
the buiklings of Molino del Rey ever since the night of the llth, 
promptly threw out his skirmishers to clear a sand-bag breast- 
work protecting a breach in the wall, through which it was 
necessary to pass. The enemy being driven from this position, 
McKenzie's storming party advanced, supported by four compa- 
nies of voltigeurs under Colonel Andrews, and preceded by four 
other companies of the same under Colonel Johnstone. These 
eight companies, acting as skirmishers, soon took the lead and 
kept it ; for the assaulting column of McKenzie, being encumbered 
with the scaling-ladders, were compelled to move less rapidly. 

Protected by the cypresses, the enemy fell back slowly, dis- 
puting the ground inch by inch. Pillow being wounded at the 
base of the hill, the command of the column fell upon Brigadier- 
General Cadwalader, and that gallant officer proved himself fully 
equal to the occasion. 

Terrible indeed was the struggle of these brave men, through 
the cypress forest, where every tree hid an enemy ; amidst the 
sheeted fire and thunder of the guns of Chapultepec, and an in- 
cessant storm of musketry from behind trees and rocks and breast- 
works ; and over mines, the trains of which were laid ready for 
ignition, shooting down the soldier appointed to fire them, as he 
stood at his post with the match lighted in his hand, ready to hurl 
them to destruction. 

Thus it was the intrepid skirmishers pressed forward, followed 
by the stormers and the remainder of the assaulting column, and 
by Clarke's brigade of Worth's division, which had hastened up 
at a critical moment to their support. 

From behind the redoubt, midway of the ascent, the enemy 



ASSAULT OF CIIAPULTEPEC. 415 

again made a desperate stand, and at this point, by a most fearful 
fire of musketry, checked the impetuous advance of the voUit;i'urs. 
Then, for the first time during that eventful day, hope animated 
the Mexican heart. But that hope was illusive. A single act of 
gallantry converted the momentary indecision of the assailants 
into an irresistible enthusiasm. 

At this awful crisis, when to pause was to risk annihilation, for 
tlie ground was mined beneath them, Captain Chase, of the 15th 
infantry, dashed towards the right (lank of the work, and bade his 
company follow — supported instantly by Lieutenant Beach of the 
same regiment with his comjjany and by the voltigeurs and the 
9th regiment of infantry, the work was stormed at all points, and 
the enemy, unable to withstand an onset so terrible and so deter- 
mined, fell back to within the enclosure surrounding the fortress, 
with the daring stormers pressing rapidly upon his rear. Reach- 
ing the crest of the counterscarp and enveloping it, these three 
regiments, joined soon after by Clarke's brigade, and portions of 
Quitman's command, awaited under a severe fire of artillery and 
small-arms the arrival of McKenzie's party with the scaling- 
ladders. These soon came up, and another brilliant display of 
courage ensued. The ladders were quickly planted, and many 
of those who first scaled the wall fell back either killed or wounded. 
Nothing daunted, however, others promptly took their places, and 
as these fell, the ladders were thronged by spirits equally daring. 
Of McKenzie's storming party. Lieutenants Rogers of Uie 4th and 
Smith of the 5th infantry were killed whUe gallantly leading their 
men, — and Lieutenant Selden of the 8th infantry, one of the first 
to mount the scaling-ladder, fell back severely wounded. But 
in spite of this resistance by the enemy, a foothold was at length 
obtained, and the stormers, swarming up the ladders and over the 
wall, rushed into the fortress and carried it. Captain Barnard, 
though twice wounded in the act, seized the colours of his regi- 
ment and unfurled the first American flag upon the captured 



416 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Avorif, wliile Major Seymour, of tlie 9tli infantry, entered tlie for- 
tress sword in hand, and himself struck down tlie Mexican flasf.* 

In the mean time, Quitman, marching by the Tacubaya road, 
approached the works on the south-east, over a causeway ob- 
structed by intersecting ditches and batteries, and further de- 
fended by an army strongly posted outside and to the east of the 
w'orks. 

Moving in reserve on the right flank of the assaulting column, 
Smith's brigade took a sweep across the meadows, turned the two 
batteries at the foot of Chapultepec, and presented a front against 
the enemy outside. 

While the column, thus ably supported, was pressing boldly 
on towards the batteries, ready for a dash at them as soon as 
opportunity offered, the South Carolina and New York regiments, 
under Brigadier-General Shields, and the 2d Pennsylvania regi- 
ment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Geary, by an oblitpie movement 
to the left, crossed the low grounds at the foot of Chapultepec, 
and in the face of a terrible fire of artillery and musketry, effected 
a lodgment at the wall. Major Gladden, with his regiment, im- 
mediately penetrated the enclosure, through a breach made by 
the artillery ; and the Pennsylvania and New York regiments as 
quickly effected a like entrance by climbing over a deserted 
battery further to the south. 

As soon as this was achieved, the storming parties precipitated 
themselves upon the batteries and breastworks protecting the 
causeway ; and, after a desperate conflict, in which Major Twiggs 
was killed and Captain Casey severely wounded at the head of 
their respective commands, captured the works and completely 
routed the enemy. This gallant attack was nobly seconded by 
Smith, whose daring Rifles were as usual among the foremost. 
The batteries being taken, and within them seven pieces of cannon 
and a large number of prisoners, the stormers, now united with 

* Pillow's Report. 






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■SVORTIl's MOVEMKNT AGAINST SAN COSME. 417 

Sniith's l)rit2:a(Ie, pursued the fugitives to the causeway leading 
to the Garita Beleu, and then, turning to the left, clambered up the 
steep ascent of Chapultepec, with the view of assisting in the as- 
sault of the fortress; but the immense crowds of the enemy, whom 
they soon met Hying down the hill in all directions, showed that 
Pillow had already anticipated them. 

Part of Quitman's command, however, shared in the honour of 
its capture. Following rapidly upon the heels of Pillow's column, 
the New York, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina regiments strug- 
gled uj) the rugged acclivity, driving the enemy before them, and 
two active companies, one from the New York regiment, and one of 
marines, led by Lieutenant Reid, succeeded in reaching the crest 
of the hill in time to take part in the final assault. The daring 
gallantry which was then displayed in scaling the walls surround- 
ing the fortress has been already related ; but (>ven when that gal- 
lant feat was successfully accomplished, the fortress itself still 
frowned defiance on its assailants. 

Animated by the presence of the veteran General Bravo, the 
National Guards and the cadets of the institution contested the 
possession of this, their last stronghold, with the most heroic reso- 
lution ; but their efforts to retrieve the fortunes of the day could 
avail but little when directed against men who had fought, a for- 
lorn hope, from the steeps of Cerro Gordo to the walls of Mexico. 
The struggle, though fierce and sanguinary, was brief. The 
fortress was carried, its artillery captured, and a large number of 
its defenders, including fifty general officers, made prisoners of 
war. 

But another and still more imposing event was now about to 
take place. The city of Mexico, whose almost unparalleled sys- 
tem of defences had so long baffled the advance of the Americans, 
at length lay open to attack. The garitas and the works protect- 
ing the causeways were the only remaining obstacles. These 
were now to be overcome. 



418 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Wortli, wlio, (luring the storming of Chapultepec, had passed 
around the base of the hill, and with Garland's brigade, Smith's 
light battalion, and Duncan's battery, had defeated tiie right wing 
of the enemy, was already moving in the direction of the San 
Cosme Garita, while Quitman, equally energetic, had concen- 
trated his command and was fighting his way over the causeway 
leading to the Garita Belen. 

Leaving only the 15th regiment of Pillow's division to garrison 
Chapultepec, Scott despatched the brigades of Clarke and Cad- 
walader to support Worth's attack, and subsequently ordered up 
Riley's brigade from before the southern gates for the same pur- 
pose. The latter, however, did not arrive until after the Garita 
of San Cosme had been carried and the action was over for the 
day. 

The column of Quitman, consisting of his own division and the 
noble brigade of Smith, received no additional assistance, with 
the exception of Steptoe's battery, and two regiments of Pierce's 
brigade. 

The advance upon the Garita Belen being intended by the 
General-in-chief merely as a manoeuvre to favour the main attack 
by Worth, Quitman was ordered only to threaten the works in 
that quarter ; but, being nobly seconded by his gallant subordi- 
nates, he determined to advance, notwithstanding the severe 
direct and enfilading fires from the enemy's batteries, which threa- 
tened to gall and impede his progress. Smith's brave Rifles led 
the way ; and a brilliant little episode, which occurred shortly 
afterwards, considerably facilitated Quitman's future movements. 

While struggling with masses of the enemy, and suffering 
dreadfully under the severe cross-fires from batteries in the low 
grounds to his left, a daring and chivalric exploit achieved by a 
section of Duncan's battery, covered by the light battalion of 
Lieutenant-Colonel Smith, both attached to Worth's command, 
materially assisted in clearing his front. 



GARITA BELEN CARRIED. 419 

Worth, while operating on the San Cosmc road, observing a 
cross route over the meadows to the right and in the direction of 
the works which were annoying Quitman's advance, promptly 
threw out a section of Duncan's battery to within four hundred 
yards of the enemy's line, which opened a destructive fire, first 
upon the battery, and then upon the troops obstructing the cause- 
way. This unexpected support enabling Quitman to advance 
with greater freedom, the artillery with its covering force then fell 
back to the San Cosme road, and rejoined the column of Worth. 

Clarke's brigade coming up at this time from the support of 
Pillow's attack upon Chapultepec, Worth dashed forward, in the 
face of a terrible fire from two batteries, and carried them both. 
He had now reached the Campo Santo, or English burying- 
ground, a little in advance of which, the causeway and aqueduct 
incline to the right. At this point the General-in-chief came up, 
and ordered the- garita carried, and that the column should en- 
deavour to penetrate the city as far as the Alameda, a spacious 
green park, some fifteen hundred yards within the gate. 

Accordingly, after leaving Cadwalader's brigade, which had 
just reached him in position at Campo Santo, with instructions 
to look to the left and rear, Worth advanced in a direct line upon 
another battery, distant about two hundred and fifty yards from 
the San Cosmo Garita, and protected by it. The firing now be- 
came terrible in the extreme. The causeway was literally raked 
by grape, canister, and shells, from the battery, while from the 
tops of the neighbouring houses, from churches, and from every 
point of vantage, the enemy poured down an incessant storm of 
musketry. To equalize the position of the combatants, and check 
this fearful fire, another mode of operations became necessary. 
Garland's brigade was accordingly thrown to the right, under 
cover of the arches of the aqueduct, with orders to dislodge the 
enemy from the buildings in his front, and turn the left of the 
garita; while Clarke's brigade, breaking open the building to 
55 



430 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

the left of the causeway, were to work their way with bars and 
picks from house to house, and carry the right of the garita.* 

Favoured by the fire of two mountain howitzers, which had 
been placed upon conspicuous buildings, these orders were slowly, 
but, in the end, successfully accomplished. At five o'clock in 
the afternoon, both columns had gained the required positions. 

The enemy soon after abandoned the battery, and fell back 
upon the garita. A most dangerous service was now required 
to be executed. This was the advance of a piece of artillery to 
the evacuated battery in the face of the direct fire from the garita. 
This duty fell upon Lieutenant Hunt, and was performed with a 
gallantry that extorted the admiration of all who witnessed it. 

Followed by nine men, he traversed with his piece a distance 
of one hundred and fifty yards, and, though moving at full speed, 
he lost in killed and wounded five of his command. With the 
remaining four he met the enemy at the breastwork, muzzle to 
muzzle, conquered his position, and successfully opened a fire 
upon the garita and the intermediate force of infantry. 

During this time tlie brigades of Garland and Clarke, preceded 
by a company of sappers and miners, under Lieutenant G. W. 
Smith, and the storming party of Captain McKenzie, had suc- 
ceeded in approaching undiscovered to within easy range of the 
works at the garita, when, the signal being given for attack, they 
sprang up suddenly to the tops of the houses on each side of the 
causeway, and poured a destructive fire upon the astonished 
enemy. One terrible volley sufficed. The gunners were killed 
at their pieces ; and, before the supporting force could recover 
from their consternation, the two brigades charged the garita with 
a wild hurrah ! and carried it. The next instant the shouts of the 
victors announced their entrance into the city of Mexico. 

On the Tacubaya causeway, the column of Quitman had been 
equally successful. 

* Worth's Report. 



'V "'VTAiu^ir'niiwrw I'" 




TIIK CITV OF MEXICO TAKEN. 421 

Preceded by an cii]:;ht-in('li howitzer under the direction of Cap- 
tain Drum, the Mounted Rifles, supported by the South Carolina 
regiment, and followed by the remainder of Smith's brigaile, ad- 
vanced under shelter of the arches of the aqueduct towards a 
strong battery thrown across the causeway, nearly midway be- 
tween Chapultepec and the Garita Belen. 

Sustained by flanking batteries, and a large force of the enemy 
stationed on a cross-road to the left, the defence at this point was 
of the most obstinate character. The interposition of a section 
of Duncan's battery from the San Cosmc road, and the effective 
fire of Drum's howitzer, having at length partially cleared the 
way, the Rifles dashed forward with a yell, and, by an exhibition 
of the most daring courage, carried the work by assault. The 
command was now halted and reorganized for an attack upon the 
garita. 

The Rifle and South Carolina regiments were still thrown in 
advance, but intermingled — three rifles and three bayonets being 
placed under each arch. These regiments were closely sustained 
by the residue of their respective brigades, under Smith and 
Shields. 

Winding round the pillars of the aqueduct, and creeping from 
arch to arch, the whole column worked its way onward, though 
assailed incessantly by a tremendous direct fire from the garita, 
and by cross-fires from the Paseo and from the Piedad road. 
These terrible fires, though they cut up the column to a fearful 
extent, did not check for a single instant its determined advance. 
The flank fires sweeping through the arches being at leniith 
silenced by Drum's howitzer and a sixteen-pounder which had 
been brought up by Lieutenant Benjamin, the Rifles and the South 
Carolinians succeeded about noon in getting close to the garita. 
Immediately after this was accomplished, they sprang from the 
sheltering arches, and, with their accustomed yell, charged the 
garita — drove the enemy, and at twenty minutes past one, P. M., 



422 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

nearly the whole column had passed the gate and was within the 
limits of the city. 

But the victory was not yet complete. The Ciudadela, or 
Citadel, a work of immense strength, mounting fifteen pieces of 
cannon, now opened upon the column at only three hundred 
yards distance. The slaughter was terrible, and, to add to the 
peril of their position, the ammunition of the heavy pieces worked 
by Captain Drum and Lieutenant Benjamin was soon entirely 
expended, without the possibility of obtaining another supply 
under the heavy fire that raked the causeway. 

The loss at the guns was also most disastrous. The brave 
South Carolina regiment had twice supplied additional men to 
work the pieces, when Quitman was called upon to mourn the 
loss of two of his bravest and most efficient subordinates. Captain 
Drum, one of the ablest artillery officers in the semce, fell mor- 
tally wounded by the side of his gun ; and within a few minutes 
afterwards Lieutenant Benjamin shared the same fate. The com- 
mand of the battery then devolved upon Lieutenant Porter. No 
sooner did the enemy find the battery silenced for want of ammu- 
nition, than he made the most desperate efforts to force back the 
column, and recover his position. Under cover of a terrific fire 
of artillery and small-arms, from the Citadel, from the Paseo, and 
from the buildings in front and upon the right, he made several 
sallies on both flanks of the column, but was each time repulsed 
with loss. 

Finding it impossible to bring forward a supply of ammunition 
during daylight, Quitman determined to shelter his command 
and hold his position until the darkness should affijrd a more fa- 
vourable opportunity for crossing the causeway. 

During the night, the firing of the enemy having ceased, two 
batteries for heavy guns and a breastwork for infantry were 
erected within the garita, under the superintendence of Lieutenant 
Beauregard, the requisite supply of ammunition obtained, and the 
guns mounted ready to open at daylight. 



POSSESSION TAKEN OF THE CITY. 423 

When the morning of the 14th of September dawned, and while 
tlie undaunted cohimn was preparing to recommence the attack, 
tlie defenders of the Citadel, finding all further resistance useless, 
despatched to General Quitman a white flag of surrender. 

Before this, however, as early as four o'clock on the same 
morning, General Scott had been waited upon by a deputation of 
the city council, who, after reporting the evacuation of the capi- 
tal by the Mexican government and army, demanded terms of 
capitulation in favour of the church, the citizens, and the muni- 
cipal authorities. To this Scott replied, that, as the city had been 
virtually in his possession ever since the forcing of the garitas, 
he intended not to accejit but to impose such terms as were con- 
sistent with the honour of the army, the dignity of the United 
States, and the spirit of the age.* 

Upon this the Ayuntamiento retired, and orders were shortly 
afterwards given to Worth and Quitman to advance cautiously 
and take up commanding positions within the city. 

Acting under these instructions. Worth promptly moved for- 
ward his command, and at six o'clock, A. M., occupied two sides 
of the Alameda, while Quitman, after leaving Smith's brigade and 
the South Carolina regiment to garrison the Citadel, marched 
with the remainder of his column through the principal streets, 
and took possession of the Grand Plaza, where the colours of 
the United States were for the first time flung abroad from the 
National Palace. 

Soon after were seen the waving plumes and commanding per- 
son of the General-in-chief, as he rode into the Plaza, escorted by 
the 2d dragoons ; and a deafening hurrah greeted the gallant 
hero, who, amid so many difficulties and disappointments, and 
with means totally inadequate, had, by prudent arrangements, and 
that military skill in which he is unsurpassed by any commander 

* Scoti's OfTicial Despatch. 



4"21 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

of modem times, triumphed over every difficulty, and established 
his head-quarters in the very palace of the enemy's capital. 

But the daring victors were not yet to enjoy that repose which 
their protracted and arduous services so imperiously demanded. 
While in the act of occupying the city, a fire was opened upon 
them from the roofs of houses, from the windows and looi)s, and 
from the corners of streets. This insurrection of the leperos and 
liberated convicts, instigated by many Mexican soldiers in the 
dress of citizens, occasioned a desultory contest of twenty-four 
hours' duration, when it was effectually put down, and on the 
morning of the ICth of September, 1847, the army of the United 
States of North America, after a series of victories untarnished by 
a single defeat, was in complete and unmolested possession of the 
Cajjital of the Republic of Mexico, from the National Palace of 
which, General Scott addressed the following despatch to the 
Secretary of War : — 



" Head-Qi'arteks of the Akmy, 
National Palace of Mexico, Sept. 18, 1847. 



li Sir: — At the end of another series of arduous and brilliant 
operations of more than forty-eight hours' continuance, this glori- 
ous army hoisted, on the morning of the 14th, the colours of the 
United States on the walls of this palace. 

" The victory of the 8th, at the Molino del Rey, was followed 
by daring reconnoissances on the part of our distinguished engi- 
neers — Captain Lee, Lieutenants Beauregard, Stevens, and Tower 
— Major Smith, senior, being sick, and Captain Mason, third in 
rank, wounded. Their operations were directed principally to 
the south— towards the gates of the Piedad, San Angel (Nino 
Perdido), San Antonio, and the Paseo de la Viga. 

" This city stands on a slight swell of ground, near the centre 
of an irregular basin, and is girdled with a ditch in its greater 
extent— a navigable canal of great breadth and depth— very diffi- 



Scott's despatch. 425 

cult to In-id^c in tlie presence of an enemy, and serving at once 
for drainage, custom-house purposes, and military defence ; leaving 
eight entrances or gates, over arches — each of which we found 
defended by a system of strong works, that seemed to require 
nothing but some men and guns to be impregnable. 

"Outside and within the cross-fires of those gates, we found 
to the south other obstacles but little less formidable. All the 
approaches near the city are over elevated causeways, cut in many 
places (to oppose us), and flanked on both sides by ditches, also 
of unusual dimensions. The numerous cross-roads are flanked in 
like manner, having bridges at the intersections, recently broken. 
The meadows thus checkered are, moreover, in many .spots, under 
water or marsliy ; for, it will be remembered, we were in the midst 
of the wet season, though with less rain than usual, and we could 
not wait for the fall of the neighbouring lakes and the consequent 
drainage of the wet grounds at the edge of the city — the lowest 
in the whole basin. 

"After a close personal survey of the southern gates, covered 
by Pillow's division and Riley's brigade of Twiggs' — with four 
times our numbers concentrated in our immediate front — I deter- 
mined on the 11th to avoid that net- work of obstacles, and to seek, 
by a sudden diversion to the south-west and west, less unfavour- 
able approaches. 

" To economize the lives of our gallant officers and men, as 
well as to insure success, it became indispensable that this reso- 
lution should be long masked from the enemy ; and again, that 
the new movement, when discovered, should be mistaken for a 
feint, and the old as indicating our true and ultimate point of 
attack. 

"Accordingly, on the spot, the 11th, I ordered Quitman's di- 
vision from Cuyoacan, to join Pillow, by daylight, before the 
southern gates, and then that the two major-generals, with their 
divisions, should, by night, proceed (two miles^ to join me at 



426 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Tacubaya, where I was quartered with Worth's division. Twiggs, 
with Riley's brigade and Captains Taylor's and Steptoe's field 
batteries — the latter of 12-pounders — was left in front of those 
gates, to mancEuvre, to threaten, or to make false attacks, in order 
to occupy and deceive the enemy. Twiggs' other brigade (Smith's) 
was left at supporting distance, in the rear, at San Angel, till the 
morning of the 13th, and also to su])port our general depot at 
Mixcoac. The stratagem against the south was admirably exe- 
cuted throughout the 12th and down to the afternoon of the 13th, 
when it was too late for the enemy to recover from the effects of 
his delusion. 

" The first step in the new movement was to carry Chapultepec, 
a natural and isolated mound, of great elevation, strongly fortified 
at its base, on its acclivities, and heights. Besides a numerous 
garrison, here was the military college of the republic, with a 
large number of sub-lieutenants and other students. Those works 
were within direct gun-shot of the village of Tacubaya, and until 
carried, we could not approach the city on the west, without ma- 
king a circuit too wide and too hazardous. 

"In the course of the same night (that of the 11th) heavy bat- 
teries, within easy ranges, were established. No. 1, on our right, 
under the command of Captain Drum, 4th artillery (relieved late 
next day, for some hours, by Lieutenant Andrews of the 3d), and 
No. 2, commanded by Lieutenant Hagner, Ordnance — both sup- 
ported by Quitman's division. Nos. 3 and 4 on the opposite side, 
supported by Pillow's division, were commanded, the former by 
Captain Brooks and Lieutenant S. S. Anderson, 2d artillery, 
alternately, and the latter by Lieutenant Stone, Ordnance. The 
batteries were traced by Captain Huger and Captain Lee, Engi- 
neer, and constructed by them with the able assistance of the 
young officers of those corps and the artillery. 

" To prepare for an assault, it was foreseen that the play of the 
batteries might run into the second day ; but recent captures had 



Scott's despatch, 427 

not only trt'bU-d our sioge-pieces, but also our ammunition ; and 
we knew that we should o-reatly augment both by carryinn; the 
place. I was, therefore, in no haste in ordering an assault before 
the works were well crippled by our missiles. 

" The bombardment and cannonade, under the direction of 
Captain Huger, were commenced early in tlie morning of the 
12th. Before nightfall, which necessarily stopped our batteries, 
we had perceived that a good impression had been made on the 
castle and its outworks, and that a large body of the enemy had 
remained outside, towards the city, from an early hour to avoid 
our fire, and to be at hand on its cessation, in order to reinforce the 
garrison against an assault. The same outside force was disco- 
vered the next morning, after our batteries had reopened upon the 
castle, by which we again reduced its garrison to the minimum 
needed fc)r the guns. 

" Pillow and Quitman had been in position since early in the 
night of the 11th. Major-General Worth was now ordered to 
hold his division in reserve, near the foundry, to support Pillow ; 
and Brigadier-General Smith, of Twiggs's division, had just arrived 
with his brigade from Piedad (two miles), to suppoit Quitman. 
Twiggs's guns, before the southern gates, again reminded us, as 
the day before, that he, with Riley's brigade and Taylor's and 
Steptoe's batteries, was in activity, threatening the southern gates, 
and there holding a great part of the Mexican army on the de- 
fensive. 

" Worth's division furnished Pillow's attack with an assaulting 
party of some tw^o hundred and fifty volunteer oflTicers and men, 
under Captain McKenzid, of the 2d artillery; and Twiggs's divi- 
sion supplied a similar one, commanded by Captain Casey, 2d 
infantry, to Quitman. Each of those little columns was furnisiied 
with scaling-ladders. 

<' The signal I had appointed for the attack was the momentary 
cessation of fire on the part of our heavy batteries. About eight 
56 



42S HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

o'clock in the morning- of the 13th, judging that the time had 
arrived by the effect of the missiles we had thrown, I sent an aid- 
de-camp to Pillow, and another to Quitman, with notice tiiat the 
concerted signal was about to be given. Both columns now 
advanced with an alacrity that gave assurance of prompt success. 
The batteries, seizing o})portunities, threw shots and shells upon 
the enemy over the heads of our men, with good effect, particu- 
larly at every attempt to reinforce the works from without to meet 
our assault. 

" Major-General Pillow's approach, on the west side, lay 
through an open grove, filled with sharp-shooters, who were 
speedily dislodged ; when being up with the front of the attack, 
and emerging into open space, at the foot of a rocky acclivity, 
that gallant leader was struck down by an agonizing wound. The 
immediate command devolved on Brigadier-General Cadwalader, 
in the absence of the senior Brigadier (Pierce), of the same divi- 
sion — an invalid since the events of August 19. On a previous 
call of Pillow, Wortli had just sent him a reinforcement — Colonel 
Clarke's brigade. 

" The broken acclivity was still to be ascended, and a strong 
redoubt, midway, to be carried, before reaching the castle on the 
heights. The advance of our brave men, led by brave officers, 
though necessarily slow, was unwavering, over rocks, chasms, 
and mines, and under the hottest fire of cannon and musketry. 
The redoubt now yielded to resistless valour, and the shouts that 
followed announced to the castle the fate that impended. The 
enemy were steadily driven from shelter to shelter. The retreat 
allowed not time to fire a single mine, without the certainty of 
blowing up friend and foe. Those who at a distance attempted 
to apply matches to the long trains, were shot down by our men. 
There was death below, as well as above ground. At length the 
ditch and wall of the main work were reached; the scaling-lad- 
ders were brought up and planted by the storraing-parties ; some 



Scott's despatch. 429 

of the daring spirits first in the assault were cast down — killcMl or 
wounded ; but a lodgment was soon made ; streams of heroes 
followed ; all opposition was overcome, and several of our regi- 
mental colours flung out from the upper walls, amidst long-con- 
tinued shouts and cheers, which sent dismay into the capital. No 
scene could have been more animating or glorious. 

" IMajor-General Quitman, nobly supported by Brigadier-Gene- 
rals Shields and Smith (P. F.), his other officers and men, was 
up with the part assigned him. Simultaneously with the move- 
ment on the west, he had gallantly approached the south-east of 
tlie same works, over a causeway with cuts and batteries, and 
defended by an army strongly posted outside, to the cast of the 
works. Those formidable obstacles Quitman had to face, with 
but little shelter for his troops or space for manoeuvring. Deep 
ditches flanking the causeway, made it difficult to cross on either 
side into the adjoining meadows, and these again were intersected 
by other ditches. Smith and his brigade had been early thrown 
out to make a sweep to the right, in order to present a front 
against the enemy's line (outside), and to turn two intervening 
batteries near the foot of Chapultepec. This movement was also 
intended to support Quitman's storraing-parties, both on the 
causeway. The first of these, furnished by Twiggs's division, 
was commanded in succession by Captain Casey, 2d infantry, 
and Captain Paul, 7th infantry, after Casey had been severely 
wounded; and the second, originally under the gallant Major 
Twiggs, marine corps, killed, and then Captain Miller, 2d Penn- 
sylvania volunteers. The storming-party, now commanded by 
Captain Paul seconded by Captain Roberts, of the Rifles, Lieu- 
tenant Stewart, and others of the same regiment, Smith's brigade, 
carried the two batteries in the road, took some guns, with many 
prisoners, and drove the enemy jjosted behind in support. The 
New York and South Carolina volunteers (Shields's brigade) and 
the 2d Penn^ylvania volunteers, all on the left of Quitman's line, 



430 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

too-ctlierwitli portinns of liis storming-parties, crossed the meadows 
in front, innler a heavy fire, and entered the outer enclosure of 
Chapultepec just in time to join in the final assault from the west. 
" Besides Major-Generals Pillow and Quitman, Brigadier- 
Generals Shields, Smith, and Cadwalader, the following are the 
officers and corps most distinguished in those brilliant operations: 
The voltigeur regiment in two detachments, commanded respect- 
ively by Colonel Andrews and Lieutenant-Colonel Johnstone — 
the latter mostly in the lead, accompanied by Major Caldwell; 
Captains Barnard and Biddle, of the same regiment — tiie former 
the first to plant a regimental colour, and the latter among the 
first in the assault ; the storming-party of Worth's division, under 
Captain McKenzie, 2d artillery, with Lieutenant Seldon, 8th in- 
fantry, early on the ladder and badly wounded ; Lieutenant Arm- 
istead, 6th infantry, the first to leap into the ditch to })lant a ladder ; 
Lieutenant Rodgers of the 4th, and J. P. Smith of the 5th infantry 
— both mortally wounded ; the 9th infantry, under Colonel Ran- 
som, who was killed while gallantly leading that gallant regiment; 
the 15th infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Howard and Major 
Woods, with Captain Cliase, whose company gallantly carried 
the redoubt, midway up the acclivity ; Colonel Clarke's brigade 
(Worth's division), consisting of the 5th, 8th, and part of the 6th 
regiments of infantry, commanded respectively by Captain Chap- 
man, Major Montgomery, and Lieutenant Edward Johnson — the 
latter specially noticed, with Lieutenants Longstreet (badly 
wounded, advancing, colours in hand), Pickett, and Merchant, 
tire last three of tlie 8th infantry ; portions of the United States 
marines. New York, South Carolina, and 2d Pennsylvania volun- 
teers, which, delayed with their division (Quitman's), by the hot 
engagement below, arrived just in time to participate in the assault 
of the heights — particularly a detachment under Lieutenant Reid, 
New York volunteers, consisting of a company of the same, with 
one of marines ; and another detachment, a portion of tlie storming- 



Scott's despatch. 431 

party (Twiggs' division, serving with Quitman), under Lieutunant 
Steele, 2d infantry, after the fall of Lieutenant Gantt, 7th infantry. 

"In this connexion, it is but just to recall the decisive efifect 
of the heavy batteries, Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4, commanded by those 
excellent officers. Captain Drum, 4th artillery, assisted by Lieu- 
tenants Benjamin and Porter of his own company; Captain Brooks 
and Lieutenant Anderson, 2d artillery, assisted by Lieutenant 
Russell, 4th infantry, a volunteer; Lieutenants Ilagner and Stone 
of the Ordnance, and Lieutenant Andrews, 3d artillery; the whole 
superintended by Captain Huger, chief of Ordnance with this 
army — an officer distinguished by every kind of merit. The 
mountain-howitzer battery, under Lieutenant Reno of the Ord- 
nance, deserves, also, to be particularly mentioned. Attached 
to tlie voltigeurs, it followed the movements of that regiment and 
again won applause. 

" In adding to the list of individuals of conspicuous merit, I 
must limit myself tp a few of the many names which might be 
enumerated : Captain Hooker, Assistant Adjutant-General, who 
won special applause, successively, in the staff of Pillow and 
Cadwalader; Lieutenant Lovell, 4th artillery (wounded), chief 
of Quitman's staff; Captain Page, Assistant Adjutant-General, 
(wounded), and Lieutenant Hammond, 3d artillery, both of 
Shields's staff, and Lieutenant Van Dorn (7th infantry), aid-de- 
camp to Brigadier-General Smith, 

" Those operations all occurred on the west, south-east, and 
heights of Chapultepec. To the north, and at the base of the 
mound, inaccessible on that side, the 11th infantry, under Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Hebert ; the 14th, under Colonel Trousdale, and 
Captain Magruder's field-battery, 1st artillery — one section 
advanced under Lieutenant Jackson — all of Pillow's division — 
had, at the same time, some spirited affairs against superior num- 
bers, driving the enemy from a battery in the road, and capturing 
a gun. In these, the officers and corps named gained merited 



432 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

praise. Colonol Trousdale, the commander, though twice 
wounded, continued on duty until the heights were carried. 

" Early in the morning of the 13th, I repeated the orders of the 
night before to Major-General Worth, to be, with his division, at 
hand to support the movement of Major-General Pillow from our 
left. The latter seems soon to have called for that entire division, 
standing momentarily in reserve, and Worth sent him Colonel 
Clarke's brigade. The call, if not unnecessary, was at least, from 
the circumstances, unknown to me at the time ; for, soon observ- 
ing that the very large body of the enemy, in the road in front of 
Major-General Quitman's right, was receiving reinforcements 
from the city — less than a mile and a half to the east — I sent 
instructions to Worth, on our opposite flank, to turn Chapultepec 
WMth his division, and to proceed cautiously, by the road at its 
northern base, in order, if not met by very superior numbers, to 
Uneaten or to attack, in rear, that body of the enemy. The move- 
ment, it was also believed, could not fail to dis.tract and to intimi- 
date the enemy generally. 

"Worth promptly advanced with his remaining brigade — 
Colonel Garland's — Lieutenant-Colonel C. F. Smith's light bat- 
talion, Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan's field-battery — all of his divi- 
sion — and three squadrons of dragoons, under Major Sumner, 
which I had just ordered up to join in the movement. 

" Having turned the forest on the west, and arriving opposite 
to the north centre of Chapultepec, Worth came up with the 
troops in the road, under Colonel Trousdale, and aided, by a flank 
movement of a part of Garland's brigade, in taking the one-gun 
breastwork, then under the fire of Lieutenant Jackson's section 
of Captain Magruder's field-battery. Continuing to advance, this 
division passed Chapultepec, attacking the right of the enemy's 
line, resting on that road, about the moment of the general retreat 
consequent upon the capture of the formidable castle and its out- 
works. 



Scott's dkspatcii. 433 

'< Arriving' some niiiuitcs later, and nio\inting to the top of the 
castle, the whole field to the east lay plainly under my view. 

" There are two routes from Chapultejiec to the capital — the 
one on the right entering the same gate, Belen, with the road from 
the south, via Piedad ; and the other obliquing to the left, to inter- 
sect the great western, or San Cosme road, in a suburb outside 
of the gate of San Cosme. 

" Each of these routes (an elevated causeway) presents a dou- 
ble roadway on the sides of an aqueduct of strong masonry and 
great height, resting on open arches and massive ])illars, which 
together afford fine points both for attack and defence. The side- 
w'ays of both aqueducts are, moreover, defended by many strong 
breastworks at the gates, and before reaching them. As we had 
expected, we found the four tracks unusually dry and solid for 
the season. 

<' Worth and Quitman were prompt in pursuing the retreating 
enemy — the former by the San Cosme aqueduct, and the latter 
along that of Belen. Each had now advanced some hundred 
yards. 

"Deeming it all-important to profit by our successes, and the 
consequent dismay of the enemy, which could not be otherwise 
than general, I hastened to despatch from Chapultepec — first 
Clarke's brigade, and then Cadwalader's, to the support of Worth, 
and gave orders that the necessary heavy guns should follow. 
Pierce's brigade was, at the same time, sent to Quitman, and, in 
the course of the afternoon, I caused some additional siege-pieces 
to be added to his train. Then, after designating the 15th infantiy, 
under Lieutenant-Colonel Howard — Morgan, the colonel, had 
been disabled by a wound at Churubusco — as the garrison of 
Chapultepec, and giving directions for the care of the prisoners 
of war, the captured ordnance and ordnance stores, I i)roceeded 
to join the advance of Worth, within the suburb, and beyond the 



434 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

turn at the junction of the aqueduct with the {Treat highway from 
the west to the gate of San Cosrae. 

"At this junction of roads, we first passed one of those formi- 
dable systems of city defences, spoken of above, and it had not a 
gun ! — a strong proof, 1. That the enemy had expected us to fail 
in the attack upon Chapultepec, even if we meant anything more 
than a feint ; 2. That, in either case, we designed, in his belief, 
to return and double our forces against the southern gates — a 
delusion kept up by the active demonstrations of Twiggs and the 
forces posted on that side ; and, 3. That advancing rapidly from 
the reduction of Chapultepec, the enemy had not time to shift 
guns — our previous captures had left him, comparatively, but few 
— from the southern gates. 

" Witliin those disgarnished works, I found our troops engaged 
in a street-fight against the enemy posted in gardens, at windows, 
and on house-tops — all flat, with parapets. Worth ordered for- 
ward the mountain-howitzers of Cadwalader's brigade, preceded 
by skirmishers and pioneers, with pickaxes and crowbars, to force 
windows and doors, or to burrow through walls. The assailants 
were soon in an equality of position fatal to the enemy. By eight 
o'clock in the evening. Worth had carried two batteries in this 
suburb. According to my instructions, he here posted guards 
and sentinels, and placed his troops under shelter for the night. 
There was but one more obstacle — the San Cosmo gate (custom- 
house), between him and the great square in front of the cathedral 
and palace, the heart of the city ; and that barrier it was known 
could not, by daylight, resist our siege-guns thirty minutes. 

" I had gone back to the foot of Chapultepec, the point from 
which the two aqueducts begin to diverge, some hours earlier, in 
order to be near that new depot, and in easy communication with 
Quitman and Twiggs, as well as with Worth. 

" From this point I ordered all detachments and stragglers to 
their respective corps, then in advance ; sent to Quitman additional 




MAJ. GEN. JOHN A. QUITMAN. 



Scott's despatch. 435 

siege-guns, ammunition, intrenching tools ; directed Twiggs's 
remaining brigade (Riley's) from Piedad, to support Worth, and 
Captain Stcptoe's field-battery, also at Piedad, to rejoin Quitman's 
division. 

" I had been, fiom the first, well aware that the western, or San 
Cosme, was the less diflScult route to the centre, and conquest of 
the capital, and therefore intended that (Quitman should only 
manoeuvre and threaten the Belen or south-western gate, in order 
to favour the main attack by Worth, knowing that the strong 
defences at the Belen were directly under the guns of the much 
stronger fortress, called the Citadel, just within. Both of these 
defences of the enemy were also within easy supporting distance 
from the San Angel (or Nino Pcrdido^ and San Antonio gates. 
Hence the greater support, in numbers, given to Worth's move- 
ment as the main attack. 

" These views I repeatedly, in the course of the day, commu- 
nicated to INIajor-General Quitman ; but being in hot pursuit — 
gallant himself, and ably supported by Brigadier-Generals Shields 
and Smith, Shields badly wounded before Chapultcpec, and 
refusing to retire, as well as by all the officers and men of the col- 
umn — Quitman continued to press forward, under flank and direct 
fires, carried an intermediate battery of two guns, and then the 
gate, before two o'clock in the afternoon, but not without propor- 
tionate loss, increased by his steady maintenance of that position. 

" Here, of the heavy battery (4th artillery), Captain Drum and 
Lieutenant Benjamin were mortally wounded, and Lieutenant 
Porter, its third in rank, slightly. The loss of those two most 
distinguished officers the army will long mourn. Lieutenants J. 
B. Morange and William Canty, of the South Carolina volunteers, 
also of high merit, fell on the same occasion, besides many of 
our bravest non-commissioned officers and men, particularly in 
Captain Drum's veteran company. I cannot, in this place, give 
57 



436 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

names or numbers ; but full returns of the killed and wounded 
of all corps, in their recent operations, will accompany this report. 

" Quitman within the city — adding several new defences to 
the position he had won, and sheltering his corps as well as prac- 
ticable — now awaited the return of daylight under the guns of the 
formidable citadel, yet to be subdued. 

" About four o'clock next morning (Sept. 14), a deputation of 
the Jlyuntamiento (city council) waited upon me to report that 
the federal government and the army of Mexico had fled from 
the capital some three hours before ; and to demand terms of 
capitulation in favour of the church, the citizens, and the muni- 
cipal authorities, I promptly replied, that I would sign no capi- 
tulation ; that the city had been virtually in our possession from 
the time of the lodgments effected by Worth and Quitman the 
day before ; that I regretted the silent escape of the Mexican army ; 
that I should levy upon the city a moderate contribution, for 
special purposes ; and that the American army should come under 
no terms not self-imposed : such only as its own honour, the dig- 
nity of the United States, and the spirit of the age, should, in my 
opinion, imperiously demand and impose. 

'< For the terms so imposed, I refer the department to subse- 
quent General Orders, Nos. 287 and 289 (paragraphs 7, 8, and 9 
of the latter), copies of which are herewith enclosed. 

" At the termination of the interview with the city deputation, 
I communicated, about daylight, orders to Worth and Quitman 
to advance slowly and cautiously (to guard against treachery) 
towards the heart of the city, and to occupy its stronger and more 
commanding points. Quitman proceeded to the great plaza or 
square, planted guards, and hoisted the colours of the United 
States on the National Palace, containing the halls of Congress 
and executive departments of federal Mexico. In this grateful 
service, Quitman might have been anticipated by Worth, but for 
my express orders, halting the latter at the head of the Alameda 



SCOTT S DESPATCH. 437 

(a p;rcen park), witliin tlirt'c squares of tliat goal of general ambi- 
tion. Tiie cajiital, however, was not taken by any oni' or two 
corjis, but by the talent, the science, the gallantry, the prowess 
of tiiis entire army. In the glorious conquest, all had contributed 
early and powerfully, the killed, the wounded, and the fit for duty, 
at Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Contreras, San Antonio, Churubusco 
(three battles), the Molino del Rey, and Chapultepec, as much as 
those who fought at the gates of Belen and San Cosme. 

" Soon after we had entered, and were in the act of occupying 
the city, a fire was opened upon us from the flat roofs of the 
houses, from windows and corners of streets, by some two thou- 
sand convicts, liberated the night before by the flying government, 
joined by, perhaps, as many Mexican soldiers, who had disbanded 
themselves, and thrown off their uniforms. This unlawful war 
lasted more than twenty-four hours, in spite of the exertions of the 
municipal authorities, and was not put down till we had lost 
many men, including several officers, killed or wounded, and had 
punished the miscreants. Their objects were to gratify national 
hatred, and, in the general alarm and confusion, to plunder the 
wealthy inhabitants, })articularly the deserted liouses. But fami- 
lies are now generally returning ; business of every kind has been 
resumed, and the city is already tranquil and cheerful, under the 
admirable conduct (with exceptions very few and trifling) of our 
gallant troops. 

" This army has been more disgusted than surprised, that by 
some sinister ])rocess on the part of certain individuals at home, 
its numbers have been, generally, almost trebled in our public 
papers, beginning at Washington. 

«' Leaving, as we all feared, inadequate garrisons at Vera Cruz, 
Perote, and Puebla, with much larger hospitals ; and being 
obliged, most reluctantly, from the same cause (general paucity 
of numbers) to abandon Jalapa, we marched (August 7—10) from 
Puebla with only 10,738 rank and file. This number includes 



433 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

tlie garrison of Jalapa, and the 2,429 men brought up by Briga- 
dier-General Pierce, August 6. 

" At Contreras, Churubusco, &c, (August 20), we had but 
8,497 men engaged — after deducting the garrison of San Augus- 
tin (our general depot), the intermediate sick and the dead ; at 
the JMolino del Rey (September 8) but three brigades, with some 
cavalry and artillery — making in all 3,251 men — were in the 
battle ; in the two days — September 12th and 13th — our whole 
operating force, after deducting, again, the recent killed, wounded, 
and sick, together with the garrison of Mixcoac (the then general 
depot), and that of Tacubaya, was but 7,180; and, finally, after 
deducting the new garrison of Chapultepec, with the killed and 
wounded of the two days, we took possession (September 14th) 
of this great capital with less than six thousand men. And I 
reassert, upon accumulated and unquestionable evidence, that, in 
net one of those conflicts was this army opposed by fewer than 
three- and-a-half times its numbers — in several of them, by a yet 
greater excess. 

"I recapitulate our losses since we arrived in the basin of 
Mexico : — 

" August 19, 20.— Killed, 137, including 14 officers. Wounded, 
877, including 62 officers. Missing (probably killed), 38 rank 
and file. Total, 1,052. 

<' September 8. — Killed, 116, including 9 officers. Wounded, 
665, including 49 officers. Missing, 18 rank and file. Total, 789. 

" September 12, 13, 14.— Killed, 130, including 10 officers. 
Wounded, 703, including 68 officers. Missing, 29 rank and file. 
Total, 862. 

" Grand total of losses, 2,703, including 383 officers. 

" On the other hand, this small force has beaten on the same 
occasions in view of their capital, the whole INIexican army, of 
(at the beginning) thirty-odd thousand men — posted, always, in 
chosen positions, behind intrenchments, or more formidable 



Scott's despatch. 139 

defences of nature and art ; killed or wounded, of that nundjer, 
more than seven Uiousand oilicers and men ; taken 3,730 prisoners, 
one-seventh officers, including thirteen generals, of whom three 
had been presidents of this republic ; captured more than twenty 
colours and standards, seventy-five pieces of ordnance, besides 
fifty-seven wall-pieces, twenty thousand small-arms, an immense 
quantity of shots, shells, powder, &c. &c. 

" Of that enemy, once so formidable in numbers, appointments, 
artillery, &c., twenty-odd thousand have disbanded themselves in 
despair, leaving, as is known, not more than three fragments — 
the largest about 2,500 — now wandering in different directions, 
without magazines or a military chest, and living at free quarters 
upon their own people. 

" General Santa Anna, himself a fugitive, is believed to be on 
the point of resigning the chief-magistracy, and escaping to neu- 
tral Guatemala. A new President, no doubt, will soon be de- 
clared, and the federal Congress is expected to reassemble at 
Queretaro, a hundred and twenty-five miles north of this, on the 
Zacatecas road, some time in October. I have seen and given 
safe-conduct through this city, to several of its members. The 
government will find itself without resources ; no army, no arse- 
nals, no magazines, and but little revenue, internal or external. 
Still, such is the obstinacy, or rather infatuation, of this people, 
that it is very doubtful whether the new authorities will dare to 
sue for peace on the terms which, in the recent negotiations, were 
.made known by our minister. 

****** * 

'< In conclusion, I beg to enumerate, once more, with due com- 
mendation and thanks, the distinguished staff officers, general and 
personal, who, in our last operations in front of the enemy, accom- 
panied mo, and communicated orders to every point and through 
every danger. Lieutenant-Colonel Hitchcock, acting Inspector- 
General ; Major Turnbull and Lieutenant Hardcastle, to})Ographi- 



440 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

cal engineers ; Major Kirby, chief paymaster ; Captain Irwin, cliief 
quartermaster ; Captain Grayson, chief commissary ; Captain H. 
L. Scott, chief in the Adjutant's-General's department ; Lieuten- 
ant Williams, aid-de-camp ; Lieutenant Lay, military secretary ; 
and Major J. P. Gaines, Kentucky cavalry, volunteer aid-de-camp ; 
Captain Lee, engineer, so constantly distinguished, also bore im- 
portant orders from me (September 13), until he fainted from a 
wound and the loss of two nights' sleep at the batteries. Lieuten- 
ants Beauregard, Stevens, and Tower, all wounded, were employed 
with the divisions, and Lieutenants G.W. Smith and G. B. McClel- 
lan, with the company of sappers and miners. Those five lieuten- 
ants of engineers, like their captain, won the admiration of all 
about them. The ordnance officers. Captain Huger, Lieutenants 
Hagner, Stone, and Reno, were highly eflective, and distinguished 
at the several batteries ; and I must add that Captain McKinstry, 
assistant quartermaster, at the close of the operations, executed 
several important commissions for me as a special volunteer. 

" Surgeon-General Lawson, and the medical staff generally, 
were skilful and untiring, in and out of fire, in ministering to 
the numerous wounded. 

" To illustrate the operations in this basin, I enclose two beau- 
tiful drawings, prepared under the directions of Major Turnbull, 
mostly from actual survey. 

" I have the honour to be, sir, with high respect, your most 
obedient servant, 

WINFIELD SCOTT. 

The Hon. Wm. L. Marcy, Secretary of War." 

Thus ended a campaign, perhaps the most wonderful in mo- 
dern military annals. A mere handful of enthusiastic men, under 
the guidance of skilful and brave officers, had dared to penetrate 
into the heart of an enemy's country, and occupy his capital, in 
defiance of the great natural and artificial obstacles that impeded 
tlieir way, and the immense superiority of hostile numbers by 
which those obstacles were strengthened and defended. Useless 



POSSESSION TAKEN OF THE CITY. 441 

defence! Tlie descendants of the heroic Cortez, though proud, 
obstinate, and vainolorious, enervated by a luxurious climate, had 
neither the physical strength nor mental firmness which might have 
enabled them to successfully measure swords with those whom 
they contemptuously designated as "the barbarians of the North." 

In the short space of eighteen months, the armies of the United 
States had penetrated various parts of the Mexican Republic from 
the Atlantic Gulf to the Pacific Ocean; and neither castles, hitherto 
called impregnable, nor rugged fortified passes, nor walled cities, 
though defended by immense quantities of artillery, nor the bris- 
tling bayonets of innumerable infantry, nor the flickering lance- 
points of a cavalry admirably equipped and thoroughly versed in 
the use of their particular arm, could offer more than a temporary 
resistance to men whose fixed determination was never to yield, 
but with life, one single foot of ground over which they had already 
advanced, and never to turn aside from their march upon any 
point towards which their efforts had been directed. 

Nor is the glory of these achievements lessened when w^e reflect 
that the brilliant victories in Mexico were not gained by regularly 
disciplined soldiers, but by men who a few months before were 
quietly engaged in the various avocations which distinguish the 
business of civil life, and by men in all grades of society. The 
sons of the greatest statesmen of the republic and those of the 
humblest tillers of the soil strode side by side into the thickest of 
the combat, and each rivalled the other in the exhibition of cou- 
rage and conduct. Each man fought as if the eye of his country 
was upon him, and the victories that ensued, apart from the plans 
of the general in command, were the result of individual heroism 
in the aggregate, rather than of collective bravery. 

The battles of Palo Alto and the Palm Ravine were fought by 
regulars only ; and perhaps a nice analysis would find that, from 
these initial successes by the organized troops of the republic, 
arose subsequently that tremendous enthusiasm by which the vol- 
unteers, emulating the renown of their better disciplined compa- 



442 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

nions-in-arms,more than rivalled them in acts of individual darino-. 
and stood coequal with them in the splendour of their successes. 

How seeminf^ly inadequate the force was by which these great 
results were obtained, will be best shown by the following state- 
ment : — 

August 19th and 20th, before Contreras and Churubusco, 8497 
September 8th, Molino del Rey, 32ol 

September 13th and 1-lth, Cliai)ultepec and the Garitas, 7180 
And the city of Mexico was finally entered, after deducting the 
garrison of Chapulte})ec and the killed and wounded, by less than 
6000 men. 

The intermediate losses in killed, wounded, and missing, were 
as follows : — 

Killed. 
Contreras and Churubusco, 137 

Molino del Rey, 116 

Chapultepec, the Garitas, and within 

the city, 130 

383 

Of the number of killed, 33 were officers and 350 rank and file. 

The Mexican losses in these engagements, were 
Killed and wounded, 7000 

Prisoners, 3730 



Wounded. 


[Missing, 


877 


38 


665 


18 


703 


29 


2245 


85 



or 10730, 
equal to the whole number of the American troops that marched 
from Puebla upon the capital. The trophies consisted of more 
than 20 colours and standards, 75 pieces of ordnance, 57 wall- 
pieces, and 20,000 stand of arms. 

After the capture of the capital, the disorganization of the 
Mexican army was so complete, that out of an array of 20,000 
men, but three fragments remained, the largest of which did not 
contain more than 2500 men.* 

* Scott's OfTicial Despatch, September 18, 1847. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

Isolated condition of the American Army — Guerrilla Warfare — Attack on Mcin- 
tosh's Train — Reinforced by Cadwalader — Skirmish at the National Bridge — 
Arrival at Jalapa — Battle of La Iloya — Gallantry of Captain Walker — Cadvva- 
ladcr's Report — Pillow's Reinforcement — General Pierce's — Attack on Lally's 
Train — Skirmish at Paso do Ovejas — At the National Bridge — At Cerro Gordo 
— Ai Las Animas — Arrival at Jalapa — American Loss. 

From the time the army of the United States left Puebla, on 
tlie Till of August, to the 14th of September, when it entered the 
city of ]\rexico, Scott did not receive a single reinforcement, and 
for the most part of that period his communication with the coast 
was completely cut off by the activity of the guerrilleros, who had 
thrown themselves between the inadequate garrisons established 
along the lino. 

These garrisons were themselves frequt^ntly tlireatened, and it 
required the most incessant vigilance on the part of the com- 
manders both at Perote and Puebla, to avert the designs of the 
enemy. Puebla was indeed eventually besieged, and its weak 
but heroic garrison maintained a noble defence until it was re- 
lieved by reinforcements under General Lane. 

But it was upon the trains, which containing, besides the usual 
army supplies, large amounts of specie for the use of the disburs- 
ing officers, that the attacks of the guerrilleros were most frequently 
made. The long stretch of wagons and mules of which these 
trains were composed, and the utterly inadequate force by which 
they were usually guarded, offered irresistible temptations to 
roving bands of the enemy, whose knowledge of the country 
58 443 



444 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

enabled them to appear suddenly at any designated point, and to 
disappear with equal rapidity, if the chances of success promised 
to be unfavourable. The distance between Vera Cruz and Perote 
is so great, and the points of attack so many, that, notwithstand- 
ing the exertions of a company of Mounted Rifles, under the 
celebrated Captain Samuel H. Walker, which for a time kept the 
route tolerably clear, there was scarcely a train that ventured up 
to Perote which did not meet with interruption by the way. 

Had there been at this time a subsidiary force suiHcient to have 
maintained posts, such as were subsequently established at the 
National Bridge, Plan del Rio, and the city of Jalapa, much of 
the annoyance and loss incident to a line of route continually 
blocked up and reopened might have been avoided. 

On the 4th of June, 1847, a train of wagons left Vera Cruz, 
under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel J. S. Mcintosh. This 
brave and gallant officer had already gloriously distinguished him- 
self at the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, where he 
fell pierced with wounds, from which he had not fully recovered 
when he sought to rejoin his regiment at Puebla. 

Subsequently, after enduring the perils of the march and dis- 
tinguishing himself at the battle of Churubusco, he was again 
seriously wounded while leading the brigade of Clarke to the 
terrible assault of Molino del Rey, of which wound, aggravated 
by those previously received, he shortly afterwards died. 

The train of which he assumed the command, was in every 
respect inethcient. The drivers were bad, the teams unbroken, 
and the troops, new volunteers from the northern states of the 
Union, exceedingly debilitated by the heat and unhealthiness of 
the climate. 

The train consisted of one hundred and twenty-eight wagons, 
loaded with sjiecie and ammunition, and its conducting force 
amounted in all to six hundred and eighty-eight men, of whom 



ATTACK ON m'iNTOSh's TRAIN. 445 

six huiulred and six were reported on the 7th of Juiu' as fit for 
duty. 

By the evening of the second day, owing to accidents which 
had befallen them, four wagons were abandoned. On the morn- 
ing of the 6th the troops broke up their camp on the San Juan, and 
after proceeding a few miles, were attacked for the first time by 
the guerrilleroSj while ascending a hill. The hills in the distance 
being also seen covered with the enemy, the wagons were parked, 
and, after a short contest, the assailants were dislodged with some 
loss. The march was then resumed, but the train had not pro- 
ceeded more than a mile when the firing, w^hich was previously in 
front, now opened in rear. As soon as the enemy was beaten 
off", the march was again resumed. Half a mile further on he 
made another and more desperate attack, but was eventually dis- 
persed by a vigorous charge, and his force driven back into the 
recesses of the forest. It being now dark, and the firing having 
ceased, the train was halted at this point, and the troops rested 
upon their arras all night. 

The next day, on the route to Paso de Ovejas, the train was 
again harassed, when finding himself scantily supplied with pro- 
visions and forage, and learning that more serious attacks were to 
be apprehended at the National Bridge and the passes beyond. 
Colonel Mcintosh determined to send back his mules to Vera 
Cruz for a supply of provisions, and at the same time despatched 
a communication to General Cadwalader, then at that place, re- 
questing an additional force. In the mean time he encamped at 
Paso de Ovejas, with the loss of twenty-four wagons, and of 
twenty-five men killed and wounded. 

On the 11th, General Cadwalader joined him with a reinforce- 
ment of five hundred men, and assumed command of the whole. 

On the afternoon of the 12th the march was continued, and late 
in the day the column reached the National Bridge. 

Here the enemy was discovered strongly posted' in occupation 



446 HISTORY OF Tin-: Mexican war. 

of the fort to tlic left of tiie road, and beyond the bridg;e upon the 
heiglits to the ri<;ht. The bridge was barricaded, and the posi- 
tions of the enemy were such tliat it could only be crossed under 
a raking fire. 

A simultaneous attack upon the fort and barricade was accord- 
ingly ordered, and as soon as the howitzers, under Lieutenant 
Prince, had breached the barricade, one company of cavalry and 
two of infantry dashed forward amid a plunging storm of mus- 
ketry, and succeeded in crossing the bridge. No sooner was this 
accomplished than Pittman's company of the 9th infantry, sup- 
ported by a detachment from other companies, led by Brevet 
Captain Hooker, rapidly ascended the heights beyond, and after 
a sharp skirmish drove the enemy from his position and held it. 

In this affair the loss of Cadwalader was thirty-two, killed and 
wounded. 

No further interruption of consequence occurred until after leav- 
ing the city of Jalapa. From this place the column, being joined 
by the garrison under Colonel Childs, continued its march on the 
18th, and on the 20th approached the pass of La Hoya, where the 
enemy was known to be already posted in considerable numbers. 

The necessary dispositions were accordingly made to repel his 
attack ; but, on nearing the pass, he was found to have been already 
successfully assailed from the opposite end by Walker's Rifles, 
supported by five companies of the Pennsylvania regiment, under 
the command of Colonel Wynkoop, who, being aware of the ap- 
proach of the train, and of the force by which it was threatened, 
had marched out from Perote to meet it. 

In the battle of La Hoya, great credit is due to Colonel Wyn- 
koop for his promptitude in marching from Perote to assist in 
disengaging the column of Cadwalader from the apprehended 
difficulties of the pass; but the honour of dispersing the guerril- 
leros assembled at that point belongs almost exclusively to the 
heroic Walker. 



GALLANTRY OF CAPTAIN AVALKER. 447 

The detail from the 1st Pennsylvaniii regiment readied the 
pass before midnight of the 19th, when, finding the enemy in force, 
Wynkoop refrained from making an attack until Walker's Rides 
should come up. These liad been detained in an examination 
of the village of Las Vegas, and did not arrive at the pass until 
three o'clock on the morning of the 20th. As soon as they moved 
to the front, they were ordered to advance and dislodge the 
enemy. This, during the darkness, was more properly the duty 
of infantry ; but observing by the light of his picket-fires that 
a considerable number of the enemy were thrown across the front 
of the pass, Walker gave the order to charge, and galloping im- 
petuously through the midst of a random and harmless fire, drove 
the guerrilleros to their fastnesses among the hills. The pursuit 
was urged with the most daring impetuosity, but was suddenly 
arrested by the advance encountering a fence at a turn of the road, 
over which Walker and seven of the foremost were precipitated, 
with the loss of their horses. 

Finding it impossible to render further service against an un- 
seen enemy, and ignorant of what obstacles might yet remain to 
be overcome. Walker withdrew his men and rested them on their 
arms until daylight. 

The next morning. Colonel Wynkoop, finding the guerrilleros 
occupying the heights in great numbers, and fearful of being him- 
self surrounded, determined to fall back upon Perote. This ill- 
timed resolution, the result of an excessive prudence rather than 
of any lack of courage, might have been productive of the most 
unfortunate consequences to the column of Cadwalader, had not 
Walker, stung to the quick with the dishonour of a retrograde 
movement, separated his command from that of the infantry, and 
galloping back in the direction of La Iloya, commenced the 
action with the Mounted Rifles alone. 

About two miles from the pass, some fifty of the enemy being 
discovered. Walker threw out his skirmishers on foot, with orders 



443 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

to bring on the engagement, and immediately afterwards dis- 
mounting the rest of his connnand, he posted them under cover 
of a low stone fence. In a few minutes the skirmishers were driven 
in by overwhelming numbers, and the action commenced! 

After a sharp and well contested firing, which lasted half an 
hour, the enemy fell back, with the loss of forty killed and 
wounded. The Rifles now sprung to their horses and charged. 

In the mean time, Cadwalader's artillery had been heard to 
open at the other end of the pass. Wynkoop's detachment re- 
turned at this juncture to the support of Walker, and the guerril- 
leros, finding themselves pressed on all sides, fled precipitately. 
Shortly afterwards the train was brought through without loss. In 
this brilliant affair the command of Walker consisted of only fifty- 
one men, while the enemy had three hundred men actually en- 
gaged, and a like number hovering in view. 

The following report, by General Cadwalader, presents a con- 
nected view of the incidents of the march after he came to the 
relief of the train : — 

"Head-Quarters, First Brigade, Third Division, ) 
Piiebla, Mexico, July I'i, 1847. \ 

<< Sir : In reply to your letter dated the 1 1th instant, recpiesting 
to be furnished with a report of the incidents which occurred on 
my march from Vera Cruz to this place, including combats with 
the enemy, I respectfully submit the following for the information 
of the General-in-chief. 

"On the 7th of June, whilst awaiting at Vera Cruz the arrival 
of a portion of the troops of my brigade, I received a letter by 
express from Colonel Mcintosh, dated the 6th June, eleven P. M., 
at Paso de Ovcjas, stating that he had been ' constantly attacked 
since ten A. INT., to-day, and that the inunense train under the 
escort of my (his) troops is so extensive, that it is im[)ossible 
without a considerable additional force to guard it and proceed.' 
A copy of the letter is herewith enclosed. 




BRIG. GEN. GEORGE C A D W AL A D K 11. 



cadwalader's report. 44& 

<' Immediately orders were communicated for so many of the 
troops as could be provided with trans})ortation, to be put in 
marching order; and early on the morning of the 8th, one com- 
pany of the 3d dragoons, one section of the howitzer battery from 
the regiment of voltigcurs, and a detachment of infantry, in all 
about five hundred, were en route to reinforce the column await- 
ing support. 

" On coming up with Colonel Mcintosh, which was on the lOfh 
of June, it was found that we would be unable to proceed without 
delay, in consequence of the crippled condition of his train, while, 
at the same time, the scarcity of forage and the limited supply of 
provisions for the troops to Jalapa, rendered it necessary for me 
to direct that every effort should be made to put the train in 
marching condition, and for the troops to be in readiness to leave 
at the earliest practicable moment. 

<< On the following afternoon the column resumed its march 
Before leaving Paso de Ovejas, we had reason to believe tliat the 
enemy, in considerable numbers, were occupying the command- 
ing positions in our front, at the National Bridge, and were pre- 
pared to resist us at that point. 

'' On approaching the bridge, they were found to be in posses- 
sion of the fort on the left of the road, from which they could 
deliver their fire with effect upon the train at several ])oints, from 
the circuitous course of the road in its descent to the bridge 
before reaching the foot of the ravine. The enemy were also in 
possession of the heights on the opposite side of the bridge, from 
which j)oint they would have a raking fire upon o ir columns 
durintr the passage of the river. These heights I found it imprac- 
ticable to reach, except by crossing the bridge. 

" The bridge itself was barricaded. Under these circumstances 
it a])peared to be necessary to detach a sufficient infimtry force to 
drive the enemy from the fort overhanging the road, before reach- 
ing the bridge ; and, simultaneous with that movement, to order 



450 HISTORY OF THK MEXICAN WAR. 

forward the howitzers to breach the barricade, and a company of 
cavahy and two of infantry to force the bridge as soon as a pass- 
age was prepared for them. Lieutenant and Adjutant Henry 
Prince, of the 4th infantry, who had been assigned to command 
the howitzers, rendered me highly valuable service at this critical 
moment. He advanced with the battery, and succeeded in 
breaching the barricades, and preparing the way for our troops to 
charge, which was made under a heavy fire from the enemy. 
The heights upon the right, after crossing the bridge, were carried 
by Captain Pitman's company of the 9th infantry, and a small 
detachment from other com})anies, under a fire from the enemy, 
handsomely led by Brevet Captain Hooker, the chief of my staff. 
Having thus gained possession of the points on which it was 
necessary for us to encamp, both on account of water and the 
security of the train, the latter was ordered forward antl parked 
for the night. I have to regret the loss of thirty-two officers and 
men, killed and wounded, belonging to the service, with others 
employed with the train whose names are not known. We have 
reason to believe that the enemy suffered severely, although no 
positive information has been communicated to me with regard to 
their loss, or the numbers engaged. In consequence of our delay 
in marching from Paso de Ovejas, we were compelled to accom- 
plish a part of our work under cover of the night, and to this I 
mainly attribute the limited loss we sustained. Had those posi- 
tions been forced by daylight, tlu; list of killed and wounded 
would have been, unquestionably, greatly augmented. 

" On the 13th, after sending back the wounded with a suitable 
escort, we proceeded to Plan del Rio, with no other interruption 
or annoyance than an occasional discharge of escopets at small 
portions of our troops and train. The discharges usually pro- 
ceeded from behind dense thickets, almost impracticable for our 
flankers to penetrate, and not unfrequently resulted in the loss of 
men, horses, and mules. 



cadwalader's report. 451 

" We passec-. Ccrro Gordo the 14tli, having previously taken 
possession of the commanding positions, and on the 15th reached 
Jalapa, where we were joined by the brigade under Colonel 
Childs. Before leaving that city on the 18th, information reached 
us that the enemy were in force at La Hoya, prepared to resist 
our advance in so strong a position, and we encamped at the vil- 
lage before entering the pass on the 19th. On approaching it on 
the 20th, at an early hour, our advance found it occupied with a 
considerable force, apparently determined to dispute the passage 
of the train. Four companies, under Captain Winder, of the 1st 
artillery, were sent in advance, with written instructions to occupy 
the successive heights in the pass. On gaining the mountain on 
the left with two companies, he reported the enemy to be also in 
force upon the intermediate height that he had already gained, 
from which only the other height, which commanded the road, 
could be approached. Major Dimick, with two companies, was 
sent to reinforce him. The approach of this detachment upon the 
rear of the enemy was unexpected, and they were driven precipi- 
tately from the mountains across the road. Captain Winder suc- 
ceeded in killing four, and taking three prisoners, and three 
prisoners were taken by Major Dimick. The enemy frilling in 
with a portion of the fu'st regiment Pennsylvania volunteers, and 
Captain Walker's company of mounted riflemen, under the com- 
mand of Colonel Wynkoop, a brisk fire was opened by both par- 
ties. The advance of the Second Brigade, under Colonel Childs, 
drove the enemy in confusion for more than two miles, they leav- 
ing seven or eight dead upon the field, several who were wounded 
having made their escape, the enemy admitting a loss of over 
thirty men. The force of the enemy seen by us, was estimated 
at about seven hundred, although it was said to have been much 
greater. The command encamped that night at Rio Frio, and on 
the 21st reached Perote, at twelve o'clock, M. 

" I refer you to the report of Colonel Thomas Childs, in com- 
59 



452 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

mand of the Second Brigade of the division under my command, 
herewith enclosed, from whom I received valuable assistance 
from the time he joined me. 

" The miserable mustang ponies, by which our train was drawn, 
rendered it difficult, over a mountainous country, to keep the 
train closed up, and to afford proper protection to it in the face of 
an enemy, without attention to the management of the train by 
the proper officers, and the assistance of persons of experience 
and industry. 

" At Pcrote, it became necessary to purchase a number of 
mules for the train, and on the 23d June, as I was about to march 
for Puebla, I received an order from Major-General Pillow, by 
express from Vera Cruz, directing me not to proceed beyond 
Perote until his arrival at that place. 

" On the 1st -July, General Pillow arrived at Perote, and 
assumed the command previously to our march to this place. 
Enclosed you will find a return of the killed and wounded during 
the march from Paso de Ovejas to Perote. 

" I have the honour to be, very respectfully, your obedient 
servant, 

GEO. CADWALADER, 
Brigadier- General U. S. Jlrmy, commanding. 

Captain H. L. Scott, 

AcVg AssH Adjutant-General, head-quarters of the army/' 

On the 17th of June, General Pillow left Vera Cruz for Puebla, 
with a reinforcement of one thousand men, and arrived safely at 
the head-quarters of the army, with scarcely the loss of a single 
man. 

General Pierce, who left Vera Cruz in July, to join General 
Scott, with twenty-five hundred men, one hundred and fifty 
wagons, seven hundred mules, and a million of dollars in specie, 
was less fortunate. When he had reached the National Bridge, 
with his command, he was attacked by fourteen hundred Mexi- 



lally's march. I,');? 

cans, when a spirited engagement took place, in wliicli tlie Mexi- 
cans were defeated with a loss of one hundred and fifty men. The 
American loss in killed and wounded was thirty. General Pierce 
found it necessary, after this, to return to Vera Cruz for artillery 
and reinforcements. With these advantages he marched forward, 
and reached Puebla the day before General Scott marched on the 
capital. 

But a train of wagons, guarded by a force of one thousand vol- 
unteers, which started from Vera Cruz on the Cth of August, under 
the command of Major Lally, met with serious and continual 
interruptions. 

Under the impression that this train conveyed a large amount 
of specie, the guerrilleros assembled from all quarters, in numbers 
varying, at different points along the line of route, from twelve 
hundred to two thousand men. 

The first attack, made on the 10th of August, at Paso de Ovejas, 
was repulsed by Lally, after a severe skirmish which lasted an 
hour and a half. The American loss was eleven men killed and 
wounded. 

On the 12th, a second and far more serious attempt upon the 
train was made by the enemy at the National Bridge. The bridge 
itself was found to be barricaded, and the hills in front and on the 
right of the town, and the castle on the left, were all occupied by 
large numbers of guerrilleros. 

Bv the exertions of the Artillery, under Lieutenant Sears, those 
positions were eventually forced and the guerrilleros compelled to 
retire. The contest at this point had been unusually obstinate 
and protracted ; and the American loss was correspondingly 
severe, the number of killed and wounded amounting to fifty-one, 
of whom thirteen were killed and seven wounded mortally. 

On the 15th, leaving his train behind him at Plan del Rio, Lally 
determined to force the passes of Cerro Gordo with the main body 
of his command, before advancing his wagons. This was sue- 



454 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

cessfully accomplished on the 16th, by a dashing assault upon 
the batteries enfilading the road. The storming-party, consisting 
of a detail of one hundred and thirty men from various compa- 
nies, was led with great gallantry by Lieutenant Ridgely, of the 
4th infantry, the enemy being rapidly driven from all his defen- 
sive positions, and two guns and a large amount of ammunition 
captured. Lally's loss at this point was two killed and eleven 
wounded. 

On the 19th, at Las Animas, within a mile and a half of Jalapa, 
the enemy made a final attempt upon the train ; but after receiv- 
ing a few rounds of canister, he was effectually dispersed by a 
charge of infantry, and the train entered Jalapa a short time after- 
wards, having sustained a loss, including the skirmishes already 
mentioned, and desultory attacks along the line of route, amount- 
ing in killed, wounded, and missing, to one hundred and five 
men. 

On the 13th, an expedition left Vera Cruz to reinforce Major 
Lally's command. It was composed of Captain Wells's com- 
pany of the 15th infantry. Captain Hade's company of the 14th 
infantry, and Captain Fairchild's company of the Louisiana Ran- 
gers, all under command of Captain Wells. They proceeded as 
far as the National Bridge, where they expected to overtake Major 
Lally's command, but he had proceeded on and carried his train 
in safety beyond Jalapa. The guerrilleros occupied the heights 
about the bridge, and opened a heavy fire upon the command of 
Captain Wells as it came up, killing nearly all the mules, and 
forcing the whole party to retire. The enemy captured all the 
wagons save one, the baggage of the officers, and the knapsacks 
of the men. Before the final affair at the bridge. Captain Wells 
had five successive engagements with the enemy. The repulse 
of his command was owing to the advantage of artillery, pos- 
sessed by the Mexicans, from which they fired grape witli good 
effect. 



SKIOIISIl AT THE PASO DE OVEJAS. 455 

To restrain the depreciations of the giierrilleros, it was deemed 
advisable to obtain possession of the National Bridge. Colonel 
Hughes was despatched for that purpose with two pieces of artil- 
lery, and some companies of infantry. He succeeded readily in 
dislodging the enemy, and by his promptitude held them in 
check in that vicinity. Soon after his occupation of the place, iiis 
command was strengthened by some recruits for the 2d infantry, 
which were brought up by Captain Heintzelman. The captain 
left Vera Cruz on the 11th of September with a battalion of six 
companies, arid a train of wagons with provisions and money for 
the army. On reaching the Paso de Ovejas, about nightfall, he 
anticipated an attack from the enemy, and placed sentinels around 
his camp, and posted a picket of forty men upon the heights to 
prevent any sudden surprise. 

During the night the enemy made a descent upon them, drove 
in the party posted upon the heights, and poured a destructive fire 
into the camp wliich disconcerted the raw troops. Captain Hays, 
who had seen considerable service, perceived the danger of leav- 
ing the enemy in possession of the heights, and advanced to dis- 
lodge them from their position. He took with him about two 
hundred men, and after a sharp conflict, in which many of the 
enemy fell, succeeded in repelling them and regaining the lost 
position. Checked by the loss which they met, the enemy fell back 
and did not again attempt to molest the picket, which was now 
reinforced to the number of a hundred. This was the first con- 
flict in which the battalion was engaged, and the result in killed 
and wounded evinced their bravery under a first fire, while it 
afforded an opportunity to its newly-appointed surgeon. Dr. R. 
T. Spence, for the exercise of his skill and humanity. 

In the morning the army proceeded onward, and reached the 
National Bridge ; from which place it did not move until the 
25th, when it proceeded on with the army of General Lane, of 



456 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Indiana. It hail arrived from Vera Cruz on the 23d, and con- 
sisted of twenty-eight hundred infantry, horse, and artillery. 

In tlie mean time, Lally, who had reached Jalapa, did not ven- 
ture out upon the road, but remained at tiiat place until the arri- 
val of Lane with his command. 

Thus, by active parties of guerrilla bands, the road between 
Vera Cruz and Puebla was continually infested, and no one could 
travel widiout a powerful escort. The most active and daring of 
tlie partisan leaders of these bands was Father Jarauta, a priest, 
who had laid aside the pastoral crook of the ministry of peace for 
the sword of strife and the sanguinary spear. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

Americnn Army in Mexico — Quitman appointed Governor — Scott's General Orders 
— A Contribution levied on the Capital — Arrangement of the 'I'roops — Difficulties 
of General Scott — Approach of Reinforcements — Establishment of new Posts 
along the line — Peace Prospects — Circumstances favourable to Negotiation — 
Mexican Prisoners — Correspondence between the Archbishop of Mexico and 
General Scott — Arrival of Reinforcements — Assessment of the Mexican States — 
Contemplated Operations — Condition of General Santa Anna — Increase of the 
Peace Party — Election of Herrera — Negotiations — Recall of Scott. 

The American army having at length obtained undisputed 
possession of the city of Mexico, General Scott established his 
head-quarters at tlie National Palace. 

His first act was to issue an order, dated September 14th, 
cautioning his troops against excesses of every kind, and urging 
the importance of the strictest military discipline. By the same 
order Major-General Quitman was appointed civil and military 
Governor of the city. 

On September, the 16th, he promulgated a second order, in 
which he " calls upon his brethren-in-arms to return, both in pub- 
lic and private worship, thanks and gratitude to God for the signal 
triumphs" which he had vouchsafed to the American arms. In 
this order, he reiterates the necessity of the strictest discipline, 
lest the discomfited enemy, reuniting with the populace, should 
attempt to make himself once more master of the capital, 

Tlie following day he caused to be republished, with additions^ 
the General Orders of February 19th, 1847, declaring martial law, \ 
and imposing a contribution of one hundred and fifty thousand ' 
dollars upon the city of Mexico, to be paid by the corporate ' 

(457) 



458 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

authority in four weekly instalments of thirty-seven thousand 
five-hundred doHars each. 

Of this levy, twenty thousand dollars were appropriated to the 
purchase of extra comforts for the wounded and sick, ninety 
thousand dollars to the gratuitous distribution of blankets and shoes 
among the rank and file, and forty thousand dollars reserved for 
other military purposes.* 

On the l8th of September the army was ordered to be quartered 
over the city as early as practicable, in the following manner: — 

" The first division on or near the direct route from the gate 
of San Cosme, towards the Cathedral, and extending a little beyond 
the east end of the Alameda. 

" The second division about the Plaza Mayor, extending 
towards the gate of San Lazaro, or the Pefion. 

" The third division on or near the direct route from the gate 
of Peravilla, or Guadaloupe, towards the Cathedral. 

" The volunteer division on or near the direct route from the 
gate of San Antonio, towards the Cathedral." 

On each of these gates a competent guanl was ordered to be 
detailed from the respective divisions, protected by two pieces of 
artillery. 

From this time, up to the second week in October, General 
Scott was busily engaged in preparing his despatches, detailing 
the operations around the capital. This appears to have been — K 
particularly at this time — a task of great labour. Not only were 
discrepancies to be reconciled, and errors corrected, but the more 
delicate office of discriminating between rival claims, and award- 
ing to each gallant soldier his due share of honour, imposed the 
necessity of much material investigation. These labours resulted, 
as is generally the case, in the disappointment of many aspirants 
for military fame. 

As if to imbitter still more this unpleasant state of feeling, the 

* General Orders, 287. 



PROSPECTS OF PEACE. 459 

republication of some letters iVoin the I'liited States, professing 
to n-ive an account of the battles of the H)th and 20th of August, 
and most unjustly claiming for Major-General Pillow the chief 
honour of those victories, widened the breach between the Gene- 
ral-in-chief and some of his nearest subordinates, and led to 
charges and recriminations as dangerous to the " morale'^ of the 
army, as they were injurious to its efficiency. 

By the middle of October, having learned unofficially that 
reinforcements ranging in number between four thousand and 
seven thousand men, were on their route from Vera Cruz towards 
the capital, General Scott issued a circular to the commanders 
of posts along the line, directing three military posts to be estab- 
lished between Vera Cruz and Jalapa, the regarrisoning of the 
latter city with twelve hundred men, and the garrison at Puebla 
to be strongly reinforced. The line of communication was still 
further strengthened by the establishment of a new post at the 
pass of Rio Frio, about midway between Puebla and the city of 
Mexico. 

Nothing now remained to be done until the arrival of additional 
troops at the capital. In the meantime, the duties of the military 
and civil government of the city were ably fulfilled by JNIajor- 
General Quitman. 

The most perfect order was rigorously maintained, and a quiet 
courtesy and decorum strictly enforced towards the citizens 
generally. By this generous course of conduct, the wealthy were 
induced to return- to the homes they had timidly abandoned, and 
the customary pleasures and avocations of a luxurious city were 
resumed, with a spirit and confidence which the presence of the 
American flag floating from the walls of the national palace 
seemed rather to heighten than subdue. 

The prospects of peace, however, were still clouded. Some 
faint hopes, indeed, were entertained from the Congress about to 
assemble at Queretaro, but the elements of discord among the 
60 



460 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

rival candidates for power were as yet too much disturbed to 
allow of any calculation as to what would be the result of the 
session. 

The recall of Mr. Trist about this time, and the revocation of 
his powers by his own government, were a source of regret to many 
who were pacifically disposed; and, had that gentleman implicitly 
obeyed his instructions, by returning home at once, it is doubtful 
whether any subsequent attempt at negotiation might not have 
been seriously embarrassed by those malcontents whose official 
existence depended upon maintaining a belligerent attitude on the 
part of the Mexican people. 

The reinforcements gradually drawing towards the capital, and 
the activity of General Lane in routing the guerrilla bands from 
their fastnesses and occupying the towns which had hitherto 
afforded them protection, by proving even that system of warfare 
• of little avail against American troops, also predisposed many 
influential Mexicans to a favourable termination of hostilities; 
but they were fearful of giving voice to their desires while the 
possibility remained of the war party regaining tlieir former 
ascendancy. 

The imposing position, however, which General Scott was 
enabled to assume by the occupation of the Mexican capital, 
the increase of his garrisons along the line, and the strong force 
which it was contemplated he would soon have at his disposal 
for operating against the states of the interior, began to make an 
impression even upon those defiant spirits who, residing hitherto 
remotely secure from the actual scene of warfare, were at length 
threatened with an actual participation in its evils. This favour- 
able state of feeling was still further enhanced by a noble act of 
clemency on tlie part of General Scott. 

After the capture of Vera Cruz and the victory of Cerro Gordo, 
the prisoners of war, both officers and rank and file, were released 
on parole. Unfortunately, this generosity was in many instances 



LETTER FROM THE ARCHBISHOP OF MEXICO. 461 

abused ; and men of all stations were known to have dishonoured 
themselves by immediately resuming arms against their former 
conquerors. To correct this evil, those prisoners taken in the 
battles around Mexico were held in durance. These amounted 
to about eight hundred men, and the deplorable condition to 
which the families of many were reduced in consequence moved 
the venerable Archbishop of Mexico to intercede in their behalf. 
A correspondence alike honourable to both parties was accordingly 
opened between that prelate and the General-in-chief, and resulted 
favourably. 

The letter of the Archbishop, and the reply of General Scott, 
are equally worthy of preservation, as indicating the esteem in 
which the American commander was held by the Mexican 
Church, and the frank and generous conduct by which this good 
opinion had been won : — 

Ecclesiastical Government of the Archbishopric of Mexico, i 

Mexico, November 5, 1847. y 

" Most Excellent Sir : The respect which your Excellency has 
manifested to the Mexican church (of which I am the unworthy 
head), in calling upon me, has induced me to take advantage of 
the favourable disposition of your Excellency to ask a favour which 
will perpetuate your memory, and will make known to the faithful 
members of my diocess the feeling of benevolence which you 
entertain towards them. 

" A multitude of fathers, wives, children, brothers, and other 
relations of the prisoners who are now confined, under tiie order 
of your Excellency, loudly entreat their liberty ; and the prisoners 
themselves vehemently lament the many evils which their confine- 
ment has brought down upon their families, who depend upon them 
for subsistence, and who, consequently, are reduced to misery, 
and in many cases to an absolute state of indigence. Were there 
any important political reason why these prisoners should not be 
liberated, I should not have been so bold as to ask it ; but their 



462 HISTORY OF THR MF.XICAN WAR. 

number is small, and dislributi'd, as they Avill be, in dilTerent 
parts of the republic, their importance must be insignificant. 

" I ask their liberty, not only because it is a duty of my office, 
but my heart also impels me to solicit some real consolation for 
these unfortunate men whom the fates of war have reduced to 
so lamentable a condition. And, as if they were sheep of the 
flock most especially intrusted to my care, I considered myself 
called upon to use my utmost endeavours in their favour, because 
in that character they have a right to demand my pastoral and 
most tender care. For the same reason, I wish to imitate the ex- 
ample of so many illustrious prelates, who, before now, have lent 
their good offices (not without success) in cases of the same nature. 
Neither would I hesitate to constitute myself a prisoner in their 
stead, and willingly I would be the ransom of their liberty, as my 
faith obliges me even to be anathematized for the sake of my 
brethren. In our days, the brave General Lamoriciere, by the 
mediation of the bishop of Algiers, obtained the liberty of a con- 
siderable number of French prisoners from the barbarous Abdel 
Kader, and I take the liberty to recall to your Excellency this 
notable trait of benevolence and magnanimity on the part of a man 
who is ignorant of the duties of Christian charity. General 
Scott, doubtless, has a heart equally noble and generous ; nor to 
his Christian character, will be indifferent the mediation of a 
Catholic archbishop who entreats your Excellency, in the name of 
the church which he governs, to grant this favour. It is difficult 
to believe that after so many proofs of philanthropy, your Excellency 
will not lend yourself to an act of clemency and generosity which 
the church will remember as a great favour, and the annals 
of history as one of those noble actions peculiar to republican 
countries. 

" I entreat God Almighty to preserve your Excellency many 
years, and to incline your heart to grant to the Mexican prisoners 
the precious gift of liberty. 



scott's uefly to the Aucimisnop. 463 

"I am, with respect, the servant of your Excellency, ^vho ioves 

you in Jesus Christ. 

JUAN MANUEL, 

Archbishop of Cesarea. 

To the most excellent Don Winfield Scott, 

Major General and Comviandcr-in-chief of the Army 
of the United States of the North, in McxkoP 

The reply of General Scott, a few days afterwards, was as 
follows : — 



" Head-Quarters of the Army of the U. S. 
Mexico, Nov. 10, 1847. 



I 

"Sir: The request of your grace, on the part of the holy 
church of which you are the head, that I should release, on parole, 
the prisoners of war remaining in the hands of the American 
army, is entitled to the highest consideration. 

" I beg to state what have been, heretofore, my practice and 
endeavours on the subject of prisoners in this unhappy war be- 
tween the United States and JNIexico. 

" At Vera Cruz, I very willingly stipulated that the Mexican 
garrison should be permitted to return to their respective homes 
on parole, although I had it in my power to reduce the garrisons 
to unconditional submission. 

" At Cerro Gordo, the Mexican prisoners who surrendered at 
discretion to the army under my command, were voluntarily and 
promptly paroled by me. 

" I am sorry to say, that many of the ofKcers and men released 
on those occasions, encouraged by the late Mexican authorities, 
are known to have violated their paroles. 

" Of the prisoners captured by the army in the basin of Mexico, 
not an ofTicer remains in confinement, except one, who openly 
avowed his intention to resume arms against us, if left at large. 
Several of the general officers, who happened to be members of 



464 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

the Supreme Congress, I voluntarily discharged without exchange 
and without parole. 

"July ]'2, from Puebla, I addressed a communication to the 
Mexican Minister of Foreign Relations, demanding the release of 
certain American prisoners of war, taken from the army of the Rio 
Grande, who had been exchanged by agreement between Generals 
Taylor and Santa Anna, immediately after the battle of Buena 
Vista, or Angostura, but who were still held in close confinement 
contrary to that agreement; and, at the same time, I proposed that 
commissioners should be g^ipointed on the part of the two armies, 
to agree upon a cartel for the general treatment and exchange of 
all prisoners of war in future. To this communication I received 
an evasive reply, when I addressed another to that minister, dated 
the 29th of tlie same month. It is singular that the only reply 
received to my second communication I found here, in the palace, 
enveloped, sealed, and addressed to me, bearing date August. 

" In the armistice agreed upon by the belligerents, in August, 
there was a stipulation (article 8) for the immediate release of the 
same American prisoners mentioned above. But this stipulation 
was also evaded and wholly neglected by the Mexican govern- 
ment ; and I have since, on terms very disadvantageous to the 
United States, been obliged to exchange for the officers of that 
party who were confined at Toluca. The rank and file of the 
same party were, at the time, confined at some place far in the 
direction of Tampico. I learn, unofficially, that they have been 
recently permitted to return home by the way of that port. 

"But the application of your grace comes to me under sanctions 
too hiffh to be nerjlected. 

" I therefore beg to say, that if your grace will have the good- 
ness to appoint some dignitary of tlic church to visit the Mexican 
prisoners of war (rank and file, or common men) now confined in 
this capital, and explain to them the customs and usages of war 
in such cases, viz : that prisoners, released on parole, are always 



ASSESSMKNT ON TlIK MEXICAN STATES. 465 

put to death, if taken in arms against the same belligerents before 
being duly exchanged ; and add the solemn admonition of the 
church against the violation of their })aroles, I will, iiuiiu'dialely, 
under that holy sanction, cause the said prisoners lo be released 
on parole, so that they may return to their respective families, 
friends, and peaceful occupations. 

I have the honour, &c., 

WINFIELD SCOTT. 
To the most illustrious Auchbishop of INIexico." 

By a second letter, dated the 16th of December, the Mexican 
Archbishop professed himself willing to accept and fulfil all the 
conditions stipulated by General Scott, and also volunteered per- 
sonally to administer the oath to the prisoners. 'I'his he satis- 
factorily performed on the '22d of the same month, and followed 
it by a brief but dignified address, in which he pointed out the 
heinousness of the crime of perjury, and tlie consequences, both 
eternal and temporal, which were likely to ensue. Each man 
then received a paper attesting the fact of his release on parole, and 
his obligation not to take up arms against the United States unless 
exchanged in the manner customary in such cases. The policy 
of this act on the part of General Scott cannot be doubted ; and 
the prompt manner in which he resj)onded to the appeal of the 
Archbishop doubled the obligation, while it exhibited a grateful 
contrast to the evasive duplicity of the Mexican government in 
similar circumstances. 

The American army was now in a condition to assume the 
ofli-'Hsive. The columns of Major-General liutler and Lieutenant- 
Colonel Johnston reached the city of Mexico about the 17th of 
December. As soon as the General-in-chief was aware of their 
proximity, he caused a general order to be published, in which it 
was stated that the army was about to recommence active oj)era- 
tions against the enemy, and that immediately on the occupation 
of the princi[)al point or points in any state, the })ayment of all 



466 



HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 



taxes and dues usually collected by tlie Mexican government 
would be absolutely prohibited. These revenues were henceforth 
to be demanded of the proper civil authorities for the support of 
the army of the United States. The states already occupied by 
American troops were held as immediately liable, and the amount 
assessed to the several states of the Mexican republic, as respect- 
ively brought under the control of the forces of the United States, 
was distinctly defined in a supplemental order bearing date the 
31st of December. 

The first movement towards the collection of dues beyond the 
limits of die city of Mexico, was made by despatching Colonel 
Withers, with a detachment of the 9th infantry, to Pachuca, for 
the purpose of preventing the Mexican officers from seizing the 
assay duties constantly accruing at that place, from its being in 
the vicinity of the silver mines of Real del Monte. 

Another detachment, under the command of Brigadier-General 
Cadwalader, was subsequently sent to Toluca, the capital of the 
state of Mexico, while Colonel Clarke, with a small brigade, was 
ordered to occupy Cuernavaca. All these officers were directed 
to treat the Mexican authorities with courtesy, and to await a 
reasonable time for the payment of die amount assessed, and if 
gentle means failed, they were then to resort to forced levies. The 
same instructions were forwarded to the military commanders of 
Puebla, Perote, Jalapa, Vera Cruz, and Tampico. 

Other and more extensive operations were contemplated in the 
direction of Zacatecas and San Luis Potosi; but, owing to vexa- 
tious delays and disappointments, these movements were obliged 
to be postponed. In the mean time, however, these active prepa- 
rations were producing a corresponding effect upon the enemy. 
The result of the elections was decidedly favourable to peace. 
General Santa Anna, deprived of his command, and but too 
severely visited with the scorn and contumely of those by whom 
he was previously idolized, was now a wanderer, anxiously desiring 



RECALL OV SCOTT. 467 

the passport that should guaranty him safo-oonduct until beyond 
the limits of tlie republic. The adherents of that party, so long 
clamorous for a continuance of the war, dropped off, one by one ; 
while those who, from fear of the consequences, had heretofore 
remained silent, were now emboldened to deprecate any further 
prosecution of hostilities. 

The accession of General Herrera to the Presidential chair, 
and the negotiations which followed, will be more fully developed 
hereafter. 

The brilliant career of General Scott was now drawing to a 
close, the war was virtually ended, when he was superseded in 
command of the army he had so gloriously led, by Major-General 
Butler. How far party feeling entered into this act of the American 
government, must be left for posterity to judge ; the chronicler of 
the present day could scarcely be expected to hold an even bal- 
ance while weighing the dry acts of the politician against the 
splendid achievements of the soldier. One thing, however, is 
certain : that both before assuming the command of the army, and 
afterwards. General Scott laboured under the impression that there 
did not exist, on the part of the War Department, a feeling of 
kindness towards him, or even of justice. An investigation of the 
whole matter would carry us beyond the limits prescribed for our 
work, if it even came within the legitimate province of the histo- 
rian rather than the biographer. 
61 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Naval Operations in the Gulf of Mexico — Capture of Tuspan — Perry determines 
on the Capture of Tabasco — The Squadron assembled off Tabasco bar — Organi- 
zation of a Flotilla — The Tisccnt of the River — Tlie Flotilla fired upon by a Party 
of Mexicans under General Bruno — 7^he Enemy repulsed — Perry casts anchor at 
the Seven Palms — Divides his force — Assaulted by the Enemy — Debarkation of 
the Naval Army — Hidalgo's breastworks forced — Capture of Fort Iturbide — The 
City surrenders. 

After the capluie of Vera Cruz, the naval operations along the 
Mexican coast, though marked by none of those imposing events 
which distinguished the progress of the array, were yet of a 
character well calculated to test the efficiency of the seamen, 
and the ability of the officers by whom they were commanded. 

The services of the squadron were both important and hazard- 
ous. The Mexican coast was effectually blockaded ; Alvarado, 
Tuspan, Laguna, Fronteira, and all the towns of any note were 
taken and garrisoned, and the multifarious duties pertaining to 
the service performed wuth that skilful celerity which is only to 
be acquired by means of the most perfect discipline. 

Alvarado was taken by Lieutenant Hunter, as described in a 
former part of our narrative, and Commodore Perry resolved to 
fit out an expedition to reduce and occupy Tuspan. The fleet 
employed consisted of the steamer Mississippi, frigate Raritan, 
sloop-of-war Albany, ships John Adams, Gerraantown, Decatur, 
Spitfire, Vixen, Scourge, Vesuvius, Hecla, Etna, Bonita, Reefer, 
and Petrel. Among the vessels were distributed one hundred and 
fifty men belonging to the Potomac, and three hundred and forty 
men belonging to the Ohio. After some delay at the island of 

(46S) 



EXPEDITION AGAINST TABASCO. 469 

Lobos, and derangement at sea in consequence of the i)revalcnce of 
a norther, arrangements were made for landing on the morning 
of the 18th of April. 'IMie Mississippi was anchored off the bar of 
the river near the town, while, to enable them to ascend, the other 
steamers were relieved of their masts and lightened in every pos- 
sible way. While th<} other vessels of the squadron remained at 
anchor under Tuspan shoals, the steamers took in tow the gun- 
boats and barges, which carried twelve hundred men and two 
pieces of artillery. 

The steamers, with each a gun-boat in tow, soon ploughed their 
way across the bar, and gained the entrance of the river amid all 
the difficulties presented by the breakers. Having gained an 
entrance by twelve o'clock, the gallant Perry hoisted his broad 
pennant on board the Spitfire, and led the rest of the vessels. As 
they proceeded, two forts from the right bank opened on the 
squadron, when all the boats were manned with storming-parties, 
and while the gun-boals and steamers briskly returned the fire 
of the enemy, the storming-parties rushed on and into the forts, 
while the enemy in terror fled from before them. Continuing to 
press on towards the town, they were assailed by a fire from 
another fort and troops posted in the chaparral. The fort was soon 
carried, and simultaneously a division entered the town and took 
possession of it, while the enemy fled in every direction. After 
holding the place for some time. Commodore Perry demolished 
the forts, and retired, leaving the Albany and gun-boat Reefer to 
garrison the place. 

Previous to the month of June, 1847, all the Mexican ports 
upon the gulf had now been captured, with the exception of the 
city of Tabasco; and, as the latter was in commercial importance 
seconfl only to Vera Cruz, Commodore Perry determined upon its 
speedy reduction. 

Accordingly, leaving the frigate Potomac before Vera Cruz, and 
a small naval force at Tuspan, Alvarado, and' Laguna, for the 



470 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

protection of those places, Perry sailed on his proposed expedition, 
and on the 13th of June anchored off Tabasco bar with the 
following vessels of his squadron: Flag-Steamship Mississippi, 
Commander Adams; Albany, Captain Breese ; Raritan, Captain 
Forrest; John Adams, Commander McCluney; Decatur, Com- 
mander Pinckney ; Germantown, Commander Buchanan ; bomb 
brig Stromboli, Commander Archer ; bomb brig Vesuvius, Com- 
mander Magruder ; brig Washington, Lieutenant-Commanding 
Phillips Lee ; Steamer Scorpion, Commander Bigelow ; Steamer 
Spitfire, Lieutenant-Commanding Smith Lee; Steamer Vixen, 
Lieutenant-Commanding William Smith. 

By one o'clock, P. M., of the 14th, the flotilla selected for the 
expedition was fairly under way. The steamers Scourge, Scor- 
pion, Spitfire, and Vixen, had towed over the bar the brigs 
Stromboli, Washington, and Vesuvius ; and the three divisions 
of surf-boats, launches, and cutters, carrying seven field-pieces, 
and filled with officers and men detailed for service from the ves- 
sels of the squadron left behind. The city being situated seventy- 
five miles up the river. Tabasco could only be approached by 
vessels of the lightest draft. At Fronteira, the bomb brig Etna, 
Commander Van Brunt, and the schooner Bonita, Lieutenant- 
Commanding Berrien, joined the expedition. 

Here the flotilla was reorganized, and after being formed into 
divisions, the ascent of the river was begun in the following 
manner : — 

Perry in the Scorpion took the lead, with the brigs Vesuvius 
and Washington in tow, and the boats containing the detach- 
ments of officers and men from the Mississippi, Potomac, and 
John Adams. 

The Spitfire towed the Stromboli and Bonita ; and the Vixen 
towed the Etna, and detachments from the Germantown, Raritan, 
and Decatur. 

In ascending the river, the commodore kept under way all 



PERRY CASTS ANCHOR AT THE SEVEN PALMS. 471 

night. At a distance often leagues from its mouth, the river was 
found to be contracted so much, that an enemy stationed in the 
thick chaparral covering the banks, could command the opposite 
shore with musketry alone. 

It was not, however, until the evening of the 15th, that the 
enemy made any attempt to oppose the progress of the flotilla. 
General Bruno, who had posted himself with a strong detachment 
behind a breastwork in the chaparral, at the bend of the river 
where the channel ran close to the right bank, suddenly poured a 
plunging but ineffectual fire upon the deck of the Scorpion. This 
attack, though totally unexpected, was instantly replied to by a 
fire of grape and canister from the Vesuvius and Washington, 
and by rapid volleys of musketry from their tops and from the 
Scorpion and the boats in tow. These volleys effectually silenced 
the enemy, who shortly afterwards abandoned his breastwork with 
some loss, and the remainder of the divisions swept past without 
any molestation whatever. 

By sunset the flotilla had arrived at the Seven Palms, a noted 
landmark two leagues below the city ; and though it had been 
occasionally annoyed by desultory firing from the chaparral, the 
loss amounted to only one man wounded. 

Near the landmark the enemy was found to occupy the right 
bank of the river in considerable numbers. Night was now 
approaching, and as the channel by nearing that side subjected 
his men to a galling fire from the chaparral, Perry ordered the 
rigging to be barricaded with cots, hammocks, and bags ; and 
thus sheltered, after making his preparations for a movement 
upon the city by land and water, the ensuing morning, he cast 
anchor, and rested his men against the toils of the morrow. 

On the morning of the 16th, the boats of the flotilla, filled with 
their complement of men, were arranged in three divisions, under 
the respective commands of Captains Breese, Forrest, and 



472 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

McCluney. The artillery formed a fourth division, under the 
command of Captain A. Slidell Mackenzie. 

The schooner Bonita was now towed into position, for the dou- 
ble purpose of covering the landing and protecting the sounding- 
party under Lieutenants Alden and May. 

Just as the latter had discovered an insufficiency of water for 
the brigs, the enemy opened a heavy fire of musketry from a con- 
cealed breastwork, called by them " Calmena," by which one 
officer and three men were wounded. 

A raking fire of grape, canister, and musketry was promptly 
thrown from the flotilla along the bank and into tlie chaparral, by 
which that of the enemy was checked ; and then Commodore 
Perry, standing erect in his barge in front of the first division, 
gave the spirit-stirring order, " Three cheers, and land!" Then 
burst forth the loud hurrahs ! from over a thousand manly voices, 
and the sinewy rowers, bending simultaneously to tlieir oars, 
impelled the numerous boats towards the right bank. Commo- 
dore Perry and Captain Mayo were the first to reach it, and in 
ten minutes afterwards, clambering up the steep bank and lifting 
tlie cannon rapidly to the top, the whole of the detachment, con- 
sisting of nine hundred seamen, including officers, and two hun- 
dred and twenty marines, were safely landed without hindrance 
or impediment. 

While the little army, thus boldly debarked in the face of the 
enemy, were preparing to march upon the city, " the light-draft 
steamers Spitfire, Vixen, and Scourge, picked up all tlie boats, 
took them and the Bonita in tow, and stood for the city, followed 
by the Scorpion, who forced her way over the obstruction under 
a heavy head of steam." 

These movements by land and water had the effect of discon- 
certing the enemy, who, expecting an attack by water only, found 
his strong works turned by a movement for which he was not 
prepared. 



CAPTURE OF FORT ITURBIDE. 473 

No sooner was the landing effected, than the enemy abandoned 
the position of" Calmena," and fell back to a breastwork nearer 
the city, where Colonel Hidalgo had stationed himself in force. 

The naval army, led by the gallant commodore in person, now 
moved forward over a narrow trail, preceded by a pioneer party 
under Lieutenant Maynard. The distance to bo traversed was 
about seven miles. The route lay for the most part through dense 
chaparral, with occasional cane-brake and marshy ground. 

About one o'clock, the advance came wuthin sight of Hidalgo's 
breastwork at Acachapan. This was a strong position, defended 
by cavalry and infantry, and strengthened by a battery mounting 
two guns. Here the enemy opened a harmless fire at long range, 
which being returned by the field-pieces undtr Mackenzie, Hidalgo 
was soon thrown into confusion; and the men, dashing forward with 
loud shouts, possessed themselves of the work just as the last of 
the enemy had evacuated it. The command was now halted to 
refresh. An hour previous to this, the steamers had been seen 
to pass up the river, and firing was afterwards heard in the direction 
of the city. This soon ceasing, it was conjectured that the city 
had surrendered; a supposition which was verified some three 
hours later by discovering the American flag displayed from the 
walls of Fort Iturbide, a work of considerable strength, erected 
on the skirts of the city, and commanding a long reach of the 
river below. 

It was now ascertained that the Scorpion, having no boats in 
tow, passed the Spitfire and was the first to come within range of 
the guns of the fort. 

The steamers soon silenced the fort, and when the Mexican 
flag was hauled down, the Scorpion passed up and received from 
the alcalde an offer for the surrender of the city. In the mean 
time, as the enemy had treacherously reopened a fire from the 
fort upon the Spitfire, Lieutenant Porter was despatched with a 
small force to storm the work. This duty was gallantly performed. 



474 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

and resulted in driAing the enemy, and capturing two brass field- 
pieces and three long 28-pounders, with a considerable quantity 
of small arms and ammunition. 

No sooner had Perry entered the city with his command, than, 
stationing the artillery and marines in the plaza, so as to command 
the principal streets, he drew off" the rest of his men and quartered 
them on board the steamers for the night. At eight o'clock on 
the morning of the 17th, the colours of the United States were 
hoisted over the city of Tabasco, and a national salute fired. 

The armory and magazine were then taken possession of by 
one detachment, while another party under Captain Mackenzie, 
dismantled Fort Iturbide, and removed the large guns to the river 
ready for embarkation. The arms were burnt ; and the captured 
powder, not being of good quality, was destroyed, together with the 
magazine. 

The next day, the mud walls of Fort Iturbide were rained and 
blown up, and then, the object of the expedition being success- 
fully accomplished, the flotilla prepared to return, leaving Com- 
mander Van Brunt to hold possession of the city, with the bomb 
brig Etna, the steamers Spitfire and Scourge, and a detachment 
of seventy marines. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

Consequences of the Occupation of the Capital — Condition of the Mexican Govern- 
ment — Disorganization of its Army — Santa Anna retires to Guadaloupe Hidalgo 
— Circular of Seiior Alcorta to the Commandants-General — Resignation of the 
Presidency by General Santa Anna — His Letter to the Mexican People — Circu- 
lar of Seiior Pacheco — Reasons for abandoning the Capital — The future intentions 
of the Government developed — Santa Anna sets out for Puebia — Reflections 
upon his Reverses. 

The occupation of the capital by General Scott was an event 
from which the peace party in Mexico were soon to reap the most 
beneficial results. 

The advocates for a continuance of the war still, indeed, pre- 
dominated, both in numbers and in authority, but day by day the 
chiefs of this faction found their adherents grow more lukewarm, 
as their confidence of redemption by means of the national prowess 
gave way before the stern reality of the Anglo-Saxon conqueror 
quietly reposing himself in their very midst, and by his lion port 
frowning down all opposition. 

It was now for the first time that the government began to feel 
the eflfects of its own treachery in regard to the unfortunate armi- 
stice. Grown bold in the strength of the defences by which the 
capital was surrounded at all points, and fully aware that the 
final struggle must take place long before any additional troops 
could arrive to strengthen the meagre force of their antagonist, 
the Mexican rulers were so inflated with the hope of a final and 
glorious success that the possibility of so disastrous a contingency 
as the loss of their capital seems scarcely to have been enter- 
tained at all. 

62 (475 ) 



476 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

When, therefore, it was found that the heroism of the Ameri- 
cans, rising with the occasion, had forced all the obstacles to the 
city, and at length penetrated the city itself, the government dis- 
persed in dismay, and all concert of action was lost in the general 
confusion that ensued. 

Of that boasted army, which on the morning of the 12th of 
September numbered upwards of twenty thousand men, within 
two days afterwards a few fragments alone remained ; and though 
the defection was glossed over in the official reports, and the dis- 
organization systematized into imaginary divisions under different 
military chiefs, it was well known that the orderly retirement 
from the capital degenerated into a complete rout, long before the 
remains of the panic-stricken troops reached the appointed place 
of rendezvous. 

At Guadaloupe Hidalgo, General Santa Anna concentrated 
about his own person the few cavalry that yet were faithful to 
their colours. From this place also, the government commenced 
the first of a series of spasmodic efforts, ostensibly to sustain the 
flagging zeal of its adherents, but in reality for the purpose of 
retrieving its own waning popularity, and of defending the Gene- 
ral-in-chief from the fierce denunciations by which his civil 
policy and military skill had been relentlessly assailed. 

On the 14th of September, Senor Alcorta, immediately after 
reaching Guadaloupe Hidalgo, addressed a circular to the com- 
mandants-general of the departments, in which he informed them 
that, after the events which had taken place, it was found neces- 
sary to abandon the capital in order that other means might be 
adopted and pursued for harassing the enemy. 

He further notified them that the General-in-chief was still 
firmly resolved to prosecute the war, and, whatever might be the 
consequences, to wage it by all possible means; expressing at 
the same time a hope that each commandant would endeavour to 
preserve and reanimate the public spirit in his particular depart- 



SANTA anna's LETTER TO THE MEXICAN PEOPLE. 477 

ment, in order that the war might be carried on with that vigour 
and energy so imperiously demanded by the national honour. 

But the fatal reverses which had attended his efforts to beat 
back the invaders, had so weakened the popularity of the Mexi- 
can chief, that, foreseeing he should be unable to control the 
storm of indignation now boldly launched against him, General 
Santa Anna sought to shield himself from its fury by formally 
resigning, on the 16th of September, the presidency of the repub- 
lic. By the same document he transferred the executive pow'er 
into the hands of General Herrera and Senor Alcorta, and 
appointed Queretaro as the seat of government, subject to the 
decision of the National Congress, which was then about to meet. 

On the same day he addressed the following letter to the Mexi- 
can people : — 

<< TJie President of the Integral Republic of Mexico to his fellow- 
countrymen : 

" With the most poignant and profound grief do I announce to 
you that it was after repeated and extraordinary effbrts, and after 
fifteen hours' incessant fighting, I saw myself under the necessity 
of abandoning the capital, with my ranks considerably thinned 
by the projectiles of the enemy, which penetrated our nearest 
lines, strewing the way with their bodies and with those of the 
noble Mexicans who so gloriously defended, inch by inch, the 
rights and honour of their country. 

" You have been witnesses that I have created resources at a 
time when there were none ; that I laboured day and night ; that 
I erected fortifications around Mexico ; that I organized and 
assembled a powerful army, in order that I might wrest some 
favour from fortune, which has been so adverse to us. 

" The insubordination of one general subverted my entire plan 
of operations — a thing which you already know^ In the convent 
and bridge of Churubusco the enemy received some very severe 



478 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

lessons, whicli were thrice repeated afterwards, in the fort of 
Chapultepec, the suburbs of Belen and San Cosme, and finally in 
the Citadel. But the valour of many of our soldiers of the guard 
and of the army was not always supported, yet it was only by 
fire and sword that the enemy, in a day most fatal to the nation, 
made himself master of the capital. I have anxiously sought 
death in all parts, because a loss so great has occasioned me the 
most profound despair. In Chapultepec I received a contusion, 
in Belen my clothes were pierced by the balls of the enemy, and 
around me disappeared the best soldiers of the republic. 

" What remains to me, then, in the midst of the woe and 
anguish which assail me ? The unprofitable consciousness that 
I have personally sustained the combat to the very last extremity, 
and that I have sold dearly to the enemy his astonishing victory. 
He has seen me in the front at Angostura, Cerro Gordo, Churu- 
busco, Chapultepec, Belen, San Cosme, and the Citadel, and he 
shall find me, I swear to you, wherever it shall be useful and 
glorious for me to combat. 

" I ought also to announce to you that I have spontaneously 
resigned the Presidency of the Republic, calling to assume it, 
according to the Constitution, the President of the Supreme Court 
of justice, with the associates, who wnll be the depositaries of 
power until the National Congress can decide who is he to 
whose guidance shall be intrusted its future destinies, 

" When power was intrusted to me under the most trying cir- 
cumstances, I accepted it in order that I might combine the 
elements of resistance existing in the country ; and, upon the 
enemy's advance towards the capital, I resumed military com- 
mand, that I might oppose to him a force of considerable strength, 
and concentrate all our resources for its defence. But after the 
fall of the capital, circumstances have been altered, and now a 
division of the command is requisite to promote the same object 
— to attack the enemy in his line of communication from Vera 



SANTA anna's LETTER TO THE MEXICAN PEOPLE. 479 

Cruz to the capital is imperiously urgent, and I alone must take 
upon myself that responsibility, because I feel it incumbent on me 
ever to place myself in that quarter in which there is the most 
peril. The supreme magistracy cannot be exposed to the hazard 
of war, and it is necessary to locate it amid population and 
wealth, in order that it be not given over to anarchy, and in 
order that it may again arise with power and with glory. 

" For this reason have I surrendered an authority, to me so 
laborious and so bitter, and in whose reception and laying down 
I have aspired to nothing more than the welfare of my beloved 
country. I may have committed some errors in the discharge of 
ray civil obligations, but be assured that my desires and my 
hopes have known no other stimulus than the noble one of sus- 
taining the rank of the nation in which I first saw the light, and 
which has laden me with honours and with favours. 

"I have said it before, and I here repeat it, that I never des- 
pair of the fate of my country. If faction be silent and will listen 
to the sovereign voice ; if we be unanimous in our desires and in 
our yearnings, there is yet time to hurl the enemy from the soil 
which he pollutes by his presence. 

"It is known to you that I rejected a peace which would 
reduce the republic to a nullity the most absurd and complete. 
The nation has desired and still desires war. Let us continue it, 
then, with the greatest intrepidity, and my example shall be a 
most ardent one. 

" Factions cannot now dispute with me concerning the power 
which with pleasure I abandon. If they would dispute with me, 
let them come to the field of battle. There they will find me 
serene, and firmly consecrated as ever, to the most generous and 
holy of causes. What do we care for misfortunes ? Misfortune 
is the crucible of nations, and never is the Mexican nation grander 
than when she strives to force from destiny the victory which God 
and justice promise us. 



4S0 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

"Mexicans! Thirty years have passed over since you pro- 
claimed your independence amid perils and privations. Sustain 
it for ever! 

ANTONIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA. 

GuADALOuPE Hidalgo, Sept. 16, 1847." 

In the above well written, but occasionally overstrained appeal, 
General Santa Anna made use of the same arguments which he 
had so often heretofore found available in moving and moulding 
the Mexican mind ; but the ears which had so frequently listened 
favourably, were now deaf to the voice of the charmer. 

This appeal was followed up, on the 18th, by a circular under 
the signature of Senor Pacheco, Secretary of State, and addressed 
to the governors of the different states. 

In this document, the secretary enters into an elaborate defence 
of the policy by which General Santa Anna had been guided in 
the conduct of the war. 

The disasters which attended the Mexican army in the various 
conflicts around, and immediately before, the capital, he likewise 
attributes mainly to the insubordination of General Valencia and 
to his subsequent loss of the important position of Contreras. lu 
regard to the evacuation of the capital, he avers that it was decided 
at a meeting of the generals held in the Citadel on the night of 
the 13th, that a continued resistance would only expose the city 
to pillage and to all the acts of immorality to which a savage 
enemy abandons himself. It was this latter misfortune, he avers, 
which General Santa Anna sought at all hazards to avoid, by 
causing, at the commencement, all his fortifications to be made at 
advanced points. 

The result at which the generals arrived in their midnight con- 
ference was, that, in order to retain all their armament and the 
means to continue the war, it was necessary to abandon the city 
that very night ; that the whole army should retire to Guadaloupe 



PACUFXO'S CIRCULAR. 4^J1 

Hidalgo, ready to take the road to Pucbla, the next day, for the 
purpose of redeeming that city out of the hands of the Americans, 
and cutting off all communication \vith the coast. 

This intent being, however, frustrated by the want of means, 
it was finally resolved to divide the army into sections, under the 
command of tried officers who were directed to make their way 
into the states of the interior, where each division might serve as 
a nucleus to be increased or shaped as subsequent circumstances 
might prove most beneficial. 

The partition of the army accordingly took place, General 
Santa Anna retaining about his own person a portion of the cavalry 
only, proposing to unite these with the troops already before 
Puebla under General Rea, and carry out, as far as possible, his 
orif^inal design. 

The exposition of Secretary Pacheco is valuable in two things ; 
as explaining the reasons which led to the desertion of the capi- 
tal, and elucidating the events w^hich followed soon after. We 
therefore give it entire : — 

" ToLUCA, Sept. 18, 1847. 

Circular by Dr. Jose Ramon Pacheco^ Secretary of State, to the 
Governors of the different States. 

"Your Excellency: After having sent to your Excellency 
from the city of Guadaloupe Hidalgo the manuscript decree issued 
from that city under yesterday's date, by his Excellency the 
President ad interim, I have now the honour of sending you 
(blank) copies printed in this city, in order that your Excellency 
may circulate them in the state which you so worthily govern, 
and that the nation may be informed that it is not left without a 
head, as his Excellency, General Don Antonio Lopez de Santa 
Anna, previous to his march to commence his military movements 
against the base of the enemy's operations, has devolvetl the 
government upon the authority designed by the constitution. 



4S2 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

His Excellency, by virtue of the extraordinary powers conferred 
on him, took the responsibility of ordering some details, which, 
from the force of circumstances, could not be done in conformity 
with the tenor of the constitution, none of the bodies in whom 
these attributes are vested being in existence. On this account 
he has dispensed with one of the necessary qualifications in one 
of the colleagues of the Executive, in order to give this additional 
guarantee to the nation. It is also desirable that the place fixed 
upon as the residence of the Supreme Government should be 
generally known, in order that all the functionaries and servants 
of the General Government should regulate their actions according 
to our political system as provided by the laws. 

" Impartial history will some day record, whatever fate Provi- 
dence may have decreed, the causes w^hich brought about the 
events which have just occurred in the capital, in consequence 
"of which it is now, to our astonishment, indignation, and grief, 
in the power of the enemy. These causes are known to thousands 
of witnesses, and well understood by those only who truly feel 
its immense loss to their country. The fact is that one of the 
points which defended the entries to the city having been aban- 
doned without any orders, and another point having been taken 
at the end of the day on the 13th, after a combat of fifteen hours, 
it was decided by a meeting of the generals, held that night in 
the citadel, that a continued resistance would only expose the 
city to pillage, and to all the acts of immorality to which a savage 
enemy abandons himself. This latter was a misfortune which his 
Excellency wished to avoid at all hazards, and with a view to 
which he had at the very commencement caused the fortifications 
to be made at far advanced points. In order to retain on the 
other hand all his armament and the necessary means to continue 
the war, without owing them to a humiliating capitulation, it 
was resolved to evacuate the city that very night, conducting the 
whole army to the city of Guadaloupe de Hidalgo, in order to 



PACHECO S CIRCULAR. . 483 

take the next day, according to the intentions of his Excellency, 
the road to Puebla, to redeem that city out of the power of the 
enemy, cutting off at the same time all communication with 
Vera Cruz. 

"The troops having already commenced the march, and 
having made some progress on the road, it became known, as 
much to our satisfaction as surprise, that the people, who the day 
before, although supported by the army and the valiant National 
Guards, had taken no part in the struggle, had undertaken on 
their own account the extermination of the invaders. Imme- 
diately the army was countermarched, and two columns, one 
under the command of his Excellency and the other under General 
Don Juan Alvarez, penetrated as far as the streets of Santo 
Domingo, and La Cerca, lancing some of the Americans. Sub- 
sequently, after some measures and other circumstances which it 
is unnecessary to mention, the heroic people of the capital were 
disarmed. 

" In undertaking to carry out his first intent, the most for- 
midable obstacle to be encountered was the entire w'ant of 
means. The troops had been five days without any support. 
His Excellency the President had exhausted all his personal 
resources. From the 19th of August, the date of the misfortune 
at Padierna, to which our present situation is to be ascribed, up to 
that day — that is, in twenty-six days — not a man nor a dollar 
had been sent from any part. How could it be exacted, or even 
expected, that the city of Mexico, which had already made so 
many sacrifices, should alone carry on the war and bear the 
weight of the burdens which are destroying the nation .'' To the 
evils of the war, caused by the invaders, it would not have 
become the government to add those of making the army live at 
the expense of the people ; and yet to disband the troops, in order 
that they might devastate tlie roads and villages, would have 
been a still greater evil. The difficulty was insuperable, as there 
63 



4S4 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

was no food on that day for the soldiers, and the situation was 
dreadful. 

" His Excellency the President, since his return to the republic, 
has above all had to contend with difficulties of this nature, and 
to them is to be attributed the greater part of our misfortunes ; 
but rather than destroy a force which, after being purified and 
organized in a different manner, could still be rendered service- 
able to the nation, he embraced the middle course, of dividing 
the army into sections, under the command of tried officers, 
giving them instructions as to the roads they were to take, his 
Excellency reserving for himself a part of the cavalry. In this 
manner were obviated the great evils of a disbandment of the 
army : the burden was distributed so as not to weigh on a single 
district, and above all it furnished to the States of the Interior a 
nucleus which they could increase or shape as they might like, 
in order to carry on the war, which they have all demanded, 
without listening to any propositions of peace from the enemy. 

" As regards political organization, his Excellency saw the 
extreme of perplexity of another kind in which he was placed 
by his determination to continue, personally, the defence of the 
independence of his country until one of the reverses of which so 
many have fallen upon us, through the will of God and our own 
dissensions, and under which we are suffering, should put an 
end to his existence. His Excellency did not wish to be invested 
with the character of President of the Republic, in conformity 
with the resolution of August of last year, his desire being to 
devote himself exclusively to carrying on the war against the 
invaders ; and if he has since assumed that power, it was to put 
down a civil war which was raging in the capital, and, finally, 
to raise the necessary resources to place it in a state of defence. 

"His Excellency saw that there was no one before whom he could 
make his resignation, in order to release himself from that onerous 
charge which prevented him from pursuing the only object of his 



PACHECO'S CIRCULAR. 495 

ardent desires, and which had drawn upon him so many annoy- 
ances ; that all his efforts and repeated orders had been in vain 
to bring about a meeting of the Congress, composed of a hundred 
and forty members, which never held its regular sessions for 
want of numbers, and of which hardly twenty-six members could 
be assembled on occasions when he applied to it to discharge the 
mission which had been confided to it, and in order that the Exe- 
cutive might do no more than to carry out the will of the repre- 
sentatives of the nation. His Excellency saw that, for the new 
operations which he meditated, it would be necessary that he 
should be personally absent from the centre ; and that, moving 
with his forces in different directions, the very uncertainty of his 
movements would occasion great difficulties in the administration 
of the government ; he saw, finally, the consummation of the 
triumph of the enemy by abandoning these questions to the views 
of designing partisans. Under these circumstances, his Excel- 
lency determined to issue the decree which I communicated to 
your Excellency, and of which I have the honour to annex a 
printed copy, by which his Excellency, the President ad interim, 
endeavoured to consult not only the observance of the funda- 
mental law in a great crisis, but also the spirit of the law and the 
will of the nation, manifested on former occasions. 

'< His Excellency only intends by this decree to fill a vacuum 
in the present circumstances, to preserve a representation of the 
unity and nationality of the republic — the capital of which is in 
possession of the enemy — but by no means to impose his will 
upon his fellow-citizens. Far from this, he has on this occasion 
only taken upon himself the solution of the difficulty, because, 
neither at the capital, which is its legal residence, nor in any 
other part of the republic, is there a legislative body, and he is 
ready to abide by whatever it may decide. 

" After acts so pure, originating in intentions so honourable, 
there will not be wanting vile passions that always will accuse 



4^ HISTORY OK TUK MFXUAN WAR. 

after a mistbrtuno, aiul upon that vovy account thoy arc the more 
reprehensible. His Excellency the President carries in his gar- 
ments, in the death ol" individuals allied to his person, and in his 
own person, invfrag-able testimonials ot* liis selt-denial to devote 
himself to his country. General Santa Anna does not despair on 
accovmt of these misibrtunes, nor oti account of ingratitude, wliich 
is still woi-se. His Excellency renounces power, and yet it is pos- 
sible that stupidity may join with malice to add absurd calumnies 
to his other immense ilisasters. He abandons power, and with 
it consigns thi-ee tacts to history for his eternal honour. 

'^Eii-st, that at the north, at the east, and at the capital, 
although with various fortune, he has been found confronting the 
enemies of his country, appearing at all points of the battle, and 
in those most exposed to danger ; secondly, that in all tlie States 
their respective autliorities, as well individuals as corporations, 
femain in the tree exercise of their functions and in the enjoy- 
ment of their respective laws ; thirdly, that tlie nation, and the 
government which may be called to preside over it, will have 
absolute liberty to act as may seem proper witli regard to the 
question of war or peace with the I'nited States, since it has been 
proved that neither the presence of their cannon nor the approach 
of a danger which has since become a reality, have had any 
intluence on what was due by the government of his Excellency 
GenenU Santa Anna to the divinity of his country nor to his own 
honour. The government has not taken a step, nor has it had a 
single communication with the enemy but what is witliin tht 
reach of all his compatriots, nor has it been bound by any com- 
promise, past, present, or i'uture. If in the publications which 
have been made it may have excited surprise, anil not without 
reason, not to have t'ound the discussions which were expected 
tVom the general and the commissioner o( the government of the 
United States, it was tliat the contempt with which tliey treat us, 
and the unblushing determination which tliey have taken to carry 



UKKLKf.riO.NS LI'O.N KANTA ANNA S RKVKBKKS. 4r!7 

on a war llif niosl infamous and san^uinar)-, for ilif;ir fiiin|>l«i 
diversion and jih-asure, no other answer eould be f^iven, except 
throuj^h the eannon's rnouth and death. 

" His Exeelleney the President (ul inlmrri orders' the under- 
sif^ned to cornrnunieate to your Excellency the \}U'J:(i(l\n^ exposi- 
tion, at the time transmitting to you the decree of his re si {(nation, 
reservinj^ to himself to f(ive at a proper time to his fellow-citizens 
a circumstantial manifesto ; he has also enjoined him particularly 
to state in his name to the new Constitutional Government, that 
he will not lay down his arms against the enemy of his coiintry, 
until this government, or whatever government may be nominated 
by the nation or Congress, shall order hira to lay them down ; that 
he will be its firmest support against any revolution, as also in 
every matter which may be determined as to the American ques- 
tion, be it peace or war; that he will comply in his quality of 
subject with the national will legitimately expressed, as he always 
has done in his capacity of First Magistrate, and that his Excel- 
lency wishes to be the first to give an example of submission to 
the authority of the laws. Cod and liberty! 

" I have the honour to be, with distinguished consideration, 

PACIIECO. 

■■ His Excellency the Governor of ." 

There is something at this period of the war in regard to the 
condition of General Santa Anna which commaruJs our pity, even 
while the knowledge of his former duplicity forbids our esteem. 
Suddenly fallen from the topraosi height of national honour ; 
deserted by his former friends and parasites; anathematized by 
many of his own countrymen ; and soon to experience that even 
remote and secluded cities offered no secure refuge from the 
untiring pursuit of his warlike and energetic foes, he exhibited 
tJie sad spectacle of a once g^xjdly ship shorn of the white and 
expansive adjuncts by which she was formerly impelled in grace- 



489 HISTOR\ OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

ful and imposing state, and rolling helplessly, a shattered hulk, 
upon a stormy sea, subject to the sport of every wind and the 
treachery of every wave. 

The fact that General Santa Anna had made great personal 
sacrifices for the Mexican nation, even to the impairment of his 
private fortune ; that he had succeeded in organizing three large 
armies ; that he had raised unexpected, though limited supplies ; 
that he infused an unwonted energy and uniformity of action into 
the complex machinery of government ; that he had stilled the 
unnatural feud existing between opposite factions in the republic ; 
that he had blended, for a time, the heterogeneous elements of 
which parties are composed in that unhappy land ; that he had 
built admirable fortifications, at points judiciously selected for 
defence, and that he had offered a steady and continuous, though 
unavailing resistance to the American arms, wherever resistance 
* promised success, should at least have shielded him from many 
of the calumnies to which his ill-success had exposed him, and 
should have taught the Mexican people to look leniently even 
upon his errors. No other man in the republic possessed either 
the power or the ability to have achieved as much in its defence ; 
and though his frequent manifestoes exhibit an absence of that 
modesty so becoming in a great man, there is little doubt the 
peculiar idiosyncrasy of the Mexican mind had often before mis- 
taken the vapourings of Ancient Pistol for the self-sacrificing 
spirit of Leonidas. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

City of Puebla threatened by General Rea — Situation of the Garrison — Loss of an 
American Detachment — Puebla invested — Summons of General Santa Anna to 
Colonel Childs — His noble Reply — Operations of the Besiegers — General Santa 
Anna leaves the city to intercept General Lane — Successful Sortie from the 
Garrison — The Besiegers Reinforced — Severe Street-fight — Approach of Genera! 
Lane — The Siege raised. 

In the mean time the city of Puebla was seriously threatened 
by General Rea. No sooner was this active partisan chief aware 
that the divisions under General Scott had left Puebla, and were 
fairly on their march towards the capital, leaving behind them 
only a weak garrison to hold the former city, than he moved down 
from his fastnesses, and after hovering about Puebla for some time 
in the hope of cutting off foraging-parties from the garrison, he 
commenced its investment on the 13th of September. Left 
entirely isolated, without communication with the coast, or the 
possibility of aid from General Scott, the situation of Colonel 
Childs as Governor of Puebla was in every respect a critical one. 

With a slender command, amounting in all to only three hun- 
dred and ninety-three men, exclusive of convalescents from the 
hospitals under his charge, he had to garrison the grand depot of 
San Jose within the city, and the forts of Loreto and Guadalupe, 
two tolerably strong works crowning the heights to the east of 
Puebla, and distant from it about a mile. 

The first open act of hostility by which the presence of General 
Rea was signalized, resulted in a loss to the Americans, which, 
considering the weakness of the respective garrisons, may be 
considered serious. 

489 



490 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

On the morning of the 26th of August an express arrived at 
San Jose, with the tidings that the guerrilleros had broken into the 
stock-yard near Fort Loreto, and driven off in the direction of Ca- 
margo seven hundred and fifty mules. 

Five teamsters immediately started in pursuit ; but after a slight 
skirmish, in which one Mexican was killed, this small party were 
driven in by superior numbers. Unable to dispense with the 
services either of the cavalry or infantry, which constituted the 
effective force of the already too limited garrison of San Jose, 
Colonel Childs consented to the formation of an irregular force 
of mounted men for the purpose of pursuing the guerrilleros and 
recovering the stolen animals. This little detachment, consisting 
of thirty- three men under the command of Captain Blanchard,of 
the Quartermaster's department, followed the tracks of the mules 
for some miles, until they were lost in the bed of a ravine. 

With the reckless impetuosity of the American character, the 
advance guard clambered across the ravine closely followed by 
their companions, and were in the act of dashing over the crest 
of the hill beyond, when they were fired upon from a clump of 
trees, and a few guerrilleros were seen in full flight towards an 
old stone building at the foot of the hill. 

Unconscious of the trap which had been laid for him, Blanchard 
gave the order to charge upon the fugitives, when the chase was 
suddenly arrested by the appearance of the main body of the 
guerrilleros darting out from their hiding-places among the willows 
beyond. 

Finding himself thus drawn into an ambuscade, with bodies of 
lancers increasing on all sides, until their numbers, including the 
infantry afterwards discovered, amounted to eight hundred men, 
Blanchard ordered his men to retreat in the direction of the city. 
In an instant the whole array of the enemy was let loose upon 
them, and, like a pack of famished wolves panting for blood, the}' 
sprang from all points of the compass, and with screams and 



CAPTAIN BLANCHARd's DEFEAT. 491 

vivas darted towards tlie common centre formed by the devoted 
band they had so successfully decoyed. 

On approaching the ravine so lately crossed with impunity, the 
opposite bank was found lined with the enemy, holding their 
lances ready couched for the attack. As the ravine only admitted 
the passage of a single man at a time, it would have been mad- 
ness to have attempted its passage in the face of an enemy pos- 
sessing the advantage both of position and numbers. 

Hemmed in on all sides by a force continually increasing, 
Captain Blanchard, who had hitherto kept his little command 
well together, now gave the mournful order for every man to look 
to himself, and sell his life as dearly as possible. 

In an instant his command scattered in all directions; some 
forced their way across the ravine, and precipitating themselves 
upon the enemy died hardily, pierced with innumerable wounds ; 
others dashed along the bank of the ravine in search of a more 
favourable outlet, but the quivering lances met them at every 
point. A few sought the tempting refuge of a neighbouring corn- 
field, but were forced back by finding it filled with infantry. Tossed 
to and fro, the little band of victims turned daringly upon their 
pursuers, and fighting desperately, died literally hacked to pieces. 
Of thirty- three men only eleven, more fortunate than their com- 
rades, succeeded in cutting their way through the dense ranks 
of the enemy, or in outstripping pursuit by the superior fleetness 
of their horses. Among the victims was the brave Captain 
Blanchard. 

During the three following weeks, the enemy, as if satisfied 
with his bloody achievement, remained inactive, or contented 
himself merely with cutting off such straggling soldiers as chanced 
to fall in his way. This interval was improved by Colonel 
Childs, who, confining his defence to the principal squares around 
the Plaza, threw up breastworks across the principal streets that 
64 



492 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR- 

led to it, and by the energy of his foraging-parties was enabled to 
obtain a small but much needed supply of provisions. 

On the night of the 13th the investment commenced in earnest. 
Emboldened by the cautious policy to which Colonel Childs pru- 
dently restricted his command, the guerrilleros entered the city, 
and combining with a portion of the citizens, seized such positions 
as could be made available, and opened a heavy fire upon San 
Jose from the tops of houses and churches, from balconies, and 
from the corners of the various streets leading to the Plaza. 

As the safety of the posts of Loreto and Guadaloupe depended 
upon the successful defence of San Jose, the immediate com- 
mand of the latter was intrusted to Lieutenant-Colonel Black, of 
the 1st Pennsylvania regiment, with Captain Ford's company of 
cavalry. Captain Miller's company of 4th artillery, and four com- 
panies of the 1st Pennsylvania regiment, together with such con- 
valescents from the hospital under his charge as were enabled 
from time to time to do duty. 

The point of attack being San Jose, the enemy, in constantly 
increasing force, kept up an incessant firing upon that post by 
day and night, in the vain hope of breaking down the courage of 
its defenders through the effects of utter physical exhaustion. 

On the 23d of September, a joyous ringing of bells throughout 
the city announced the arrival of General Santa Anna ; but the 
melodious congratulations were speedily silenced by a discharge 
of shot and shells from Loreto into the heart of the city. 

On the 25th, General Santa Anna, having united his force with 
that of General Rea, and assumed command of the whole, des- 
patched the following message to Colonel Childs, in which he 
informed him he was surrounded by eight thousand men, and 
demanded his evacuation of the city and of the posts of Loreto 
and Guadaloupe within a certain and peremptory time. 



COLONEL CHILDS'S REPLY TO SANTA ANNA. 



493 



" Head-Quarteks, Puebla, 
September 25, 1847. 

' " Having taken possession of this city with the forces under 
my command, to operate against the points occupied by you, 
and for the purpose of restoring to full liberty the citizens who 
have suffered so much from the troops of the United States, I 
deem it proper, before making any movement, and for the sake 
of humanity, to intimate to your Excellency that you shall liave 
leave, within a limited time, to abandon the places you now 
occupy in this city, and march out with the honours of war, either 
to join General Scott, or to proceed to Perote, as may be most 
convenient for you. But if this moderate proposition be not 
accepted by your Excellency, I shall, in that case, with the deep- 
est feeling, proceed to act in a military manner, and assault all 
of your positions, and from the consequences of which your troops 
must suffer, inasmuch as there is in the vicinity of your Excel- 
lency an army of eight thousand men, determined to cause the 
rights of this nation to be respected. God and liberty ! 
ANTONIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA, 

General-in-chief, Mexican Army. 
iSefior Colonel Childs, 

Commander of the United States forces in this city.'^ 

To this demand Colonel Childs immediately replied by the 
following letter, in which, after indignantly denying that any 
outrages had been committed upon the citizens of Puebla, as was 
insinuated in the message of the Mexican general, he proceeded 
to contrast the conduct of the Mexican with that of the American 
troops, and concluded with a quiet defiance worthy of all honour. 

" Head-Quakters, City of Puebla, Mexico, ) 
September 25, 1847. ) 
"I had the honour to receive this day (2 o'clock, P. M.) the 
note of your Excellency, of this date, notifying me that you had 



494 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

taken possession of this city, and ' for the purpose of restoring to 
full liberty the citizens who have suffered so much from the 
troops of the United States,' and also offering the garrison certain 
terms in case they would, in a limited time, abandon the points 
occupied by the same. 

" In regard to the first point, I deem it necessary and just, in 
vindication of the good name of the military forces of the United 
States — which they have earned by the humanity, good order, 
and discipline which have at all times distinguished their con- 
duct, and more particularly while holding military possession of 
the city of Puebla — to deny the imputation conveyed in your 
Excellency's communication ; but, on the contrary, would assert 
that the rights of persons and property have been most scrupu- 
lously respected, and maintained to a degree unparalleled in 
warfare ; and would willingly leave the question for the decision 
of the intelligent and impartial portion of the population of this 
city, by whom have they suffered most violence, from their own 
people, or from troops of the army of the United States. 

" As for the other portion of your Excellency's communication, 
demanding a surrender, within a limited time, of the places held 
by the troops under my command, I have but this reply to make 
to your Excellency : that having been honoured with the custody 
and safe-keeping of these places, it is alike my desire and my 
duty to maintain them to the last, feeling fully confident in the 
means at my disposal to accomplish that purpose. 

" With considerations of high respect, I have the honour to be, 
your Excellency's most obedient servant, 

THOMAS CHILDS, Col. U. S. A., 

Civil and Military Governor. 

To his Rxcellency Seiior Don Lopez de Santa Anna, 

Commander-in-chief of the Mexican army before this city?^ 

No sooner was this reply transmitted to General Santa Anna, 
than Colonel Childs rode to the different posts and informed his 




ENERAL i'HOMA.S CHILDS. 



OPERATIONS OF THE BESIEGERS. 495 

troops of tlic demand which had been made and the tenor of his 
reply. The hearty and enthusiastic cheers with which his 
information was greeted on all sides, showed that he had not 
miscalculated the courage and the spirit of his men. 

Few in numbers, and beset by a large army and a hostile 
population, with but a scanty store of subsistence and a slender 
supply of ammunition, weakened already with continuous watch- 
ing, and without hope of any immediate relief, these heroic little 
garrisons looked forward to renewed and painfully wearying 
exertions with a serenity unshaken by the hazard of their position, 
and a resolute determination to endure all things rather than stain 
tlie American name with the ignominy of having surrendered a 
post of such vital importance to the safety of their victorious 
comrades in the capital, and the reinforcements which might be 
hastening up from below. 

On the 27th, the Mexicans having taken possession of the 
strong stone monasteries and convents of San Juan de Dios, San 
Juan, Santa Monica, and Santa Rosa, opened from these points 
a fire of artillery and small-arms upon San Jose, which was 
vigorously responded to by the latter, and by the guns of Fort 
Loreto. Late in the evening the cannonading ceased, but was 
resumed the next morning, and continued throughout the day 
with equal spirit on both sides. 

During the night of the 29th, the enemy succeeded in estab- 
lishing two 6-pounders in position above the Tivoli, from which 
he opened with vigour on the morning of the 30th ; but, antici- 
pating this movement. Colonel Childs, by a wise forecast, had 
thrown up a traverse across the Plaza, and withdrawn a 12-pounder 
from Loreto, by which he was enabled to answer the fire. 

Towards night his battery ceased ; and, failing in all his attempts 
to force the Americans from their position. General Santa Anna 
transferred the conduct of the siege into the hands of General 
Rea, and set out on the 1st of October, with four thousand men. 



496 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

and three pieces of artillery, for the purpose of intercepting the 
reinforcements which were understood to be approaching under 
General Lane. 

Taking advantage of this reduction in the strength of the enemy, 
Colonel Childs directed a sortie to be made against those barri- 
cades and buildings by which the garrison at San Jose had been 
most annoyed. One of the expeditions was confided to Captain 
Small, of the 1st Pennsylvania volunteers. " Passing through the 
walls of an entire square with fifty men, he succeeded, after an 
incessant labour of twenty-four hours, in gaining a position opposite 
the barricade, and drove the enemy with great loss, they leaving 
seventeen dead on the ground. The barricade, consisting of one 
hundred and fifty bales of cotton, was consumed."* Other 
prominent buildings were also blown up and demolished by 
parties commanded by Lieutenant Laidley, of the Ordnance, and 
Captain Herron, of the 1st Pennsylvania regiment. 

From the 2d of September, until the 8th, the firing on the part 
of the enemy was of a more desultory character ; but on the last- 
mentioned day, the besiegers having been strongly reinforced, 
attempted a closer investment, but were eventually driven back 
with loss. 

From this time their efforts began to relax, and, on the morning 
of the 12th, they were discovered in the act of retiring from the 
positions they had so long and so unavailingly occupied. 

A severe fire being still kept up from the corner of a street upon 
the breastwork, Colonel Black moved down with two companies 
for the purpose of silencing it. Seeing the enemy retire at his 
approach, he directed Captain Herron, with one company, to 
move round the plaza, and, if possible, cut off their retreat, while 
an attack was being made in front by the remaining company. 

After a short time, firing was heard in the direction by which 
Captain Herron had advanced, and on hastening to his support, 

* Report of Colonel Childs. 



THE SIEGE RAISED. 497 

Colonel Black found the company enveloped by clouds of lancers, 
and fighting desperately. The timely reinforcement saved the 
remains of the gallant little detachment from being utterly anni- 
hilated ; the enemy was driven back and the company rescued, 
after having experienced a loss of thirteen killed, and four severely 
wounded. But relief was now near at hand ; for, while the firing 
still continued, the worn-out garrisons were cheered by the wel- 
come sight of reinforcements under General Lane. This brave 
and energetic officer, after beating at Huamantla the strong force 
under General Santa Anna, hastened to the relief of Puebla. 

As soon as he reached the city, and found that the contest was 
still raging, he dashed without pause upon the besiegers, and, 
aided by the now liberated garrisons, drove them from their 
breastworks and other positions, and effectually broke up an 
investment which had kept the besieged almost incessantly 
harassed for thirty days and nights. 

This memorable siege is remarkable as developing a novel and 
important phase in the character of the American soldier. 
Hitherto the qualities of energy, spirit, determination, and 
unexampled daring, had been most conspicuously displayed. 
He was now to exhibit the higher faculty of passive endurance. 
Weak in point of numbers, surrounded by watchful enemies, and 
deprived for thirty days and nights of that necessary repose from 
incessant toil, by which the physical powers are recruited and 
sustained, like the ancient Roman soldier at the Pompeian gate, 
he remained firmly at his post, choosing rather to die, if need 
be, amidst the fiery storm than desert a trust confided to him by 
his superiors. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

Communication with the Coast reopened — Steady increase of Reinforcements from 
the United States — The Guerrilleros driven from their Strongholds — Advance of 
General Lane — Battle of liuamantla — Heroism of Captain Walker — Repels the 
Lancers in repeated ciiiirges — Hemmed in by the Enemy — His daring Stratagem 
— His Death — Chivalric Character of Walker— Official Tribute to his Memory- 
Lane marches to Puebla. 

The communication between Vera Cruz and the capital, which 
had so long been cut off by intervening parties of the enemy, 
was at length effectually opened. 

The steady increase of reinforcements from the United States, 
permitted the establishment of posts at the long-neglected points 
of the National Bridge and Plan del Rio, whilst the reoccupation 
of Jalapa by a competent garrison, and the possession of the castle 
of Perote, and of the forts commanding the city of Puebla, com- 
pleted the links in the chain of communication which were never 
afterwards severed. 

Thus driven from their strongholds, and divested in a certain 
degree of those powers of annoyance, which, arising from the 
numerical weakness of their adversary, declined with his strength, 
the guerrilleros congregated in various small towns, remotely 
situated, and of difficult access to any but those who were ac- 
quainted with the topography of the country. 

Broken up into hills and ravines, intersected by water-courses, 
the roads themselves were mule paths, winding through rugged 
passes whose precipitous sides offered a safe protection to the 
enemy above or beyond ; and these paths also, often obstructed 
by loose masses of lava, or broken up by cavities and fissures, 
498 



ADVANCE OF GENERAL LANE. 499 

the impracticable character of the ground, was in every respect 
suited to the nature of guerrilla warfare, and well calculated to 
set at defiance the efforts of any troops, less energetic and deter- 
mined than those of the United States. 

But the cities of Huamantla, Atlixco, Orizaba, and Matamoros, 
places, which had hitherto swarmed with guerrilla bands, were 
no longer to afford them a secure refuge. The duty which 
Captain Walker was refused permission to undertake, was soon 
to be effectually performed by a much stronger force, under 
General Lane. 

Leaving Vera Cruz with a considerable train, and with rein- 
forcements to the number of two thousand men, this gallant officer 
succeeded in reaching Perote almost entirely unmolested. Learn- 
ing at this place of the investment of Puebla, he marched 
promptly to the relief of that garrison, taking with him Brough's 
regiment of Ohio volunteers. Captain Simmon's battalion of three 
companies, and Lieutenant Pratt's battery ; these were subse- 
quently detached, to guard the train at San Antonio Tamaris. 
The remainder of his command consisted of Colonel Wynkoop's 
battalion from Perote ; Colonel Gorman's battalion of Indiana 
volunteers ; Captain Heintzelman's battalion of six companies ; 
Major Lally's regiment of four companies of mounted men, under 
command of Captain Samuel H. Walker, and five pieces of 
artillery under Captain George Taylor. 

At various points along the road, tidings came to General 
Lane, that a large force of the enemy was concentrating between 
Perote and Puebla, for the puq^ose of disputing his advance. 

Nothing definite, however, was received until the evening of 
the 8th of October, when the train reached San Antonio Tamaris. 
While halting to rest at this hacienda, certain spies brought in 
word, that General Santa Anna, with a force of four thousand 
men and six pieces of artillery, was at the city of Huamantla, 
but was preparing to leave it, for the purpose of occupying the 
65 



500 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Black Pass, six miles distant ; and from that impregnable position 
holding the American force at bay, until the garrison of Puebla, 
already reduced to the last extremity, should be compelled to 
surrender to General Rea.* 

To avert the possibility of this disaster, and, by falling upon the 
enemy unawares, to seize his artillery before it could be removed 
to positions too difficult of access. General Lane determined to 
commence his march at once, and endeavour to bring on an 
engagement at Huamantla. 

Parking his train at the hacienda, under guard of the troops 
already mentioned, he pressed on with the rest of his command, 
in the hope of coming up w'ith the enemy before he should have 
left the city. 

On approaching within five miles of Huamantla, Captain Walker 
was directed to push on quickly with his cavalry, and, by making 
an intrepid dash at the enemy, keep him engaged until the infantry 
could come up. His orders were also to secure the artillery at 
all hazards.! 

These instructions were promptly obeyed. Throwing in ad- 
vance a couple of his own men, with orders to feel the enemy and 
ascertain if possible the position of his artillery, Walker himself, 
at the head of his command, kept on at an easy pace until he 
reached the outskirts of the city. 

Before entering a narrow* lane thickly lined on each side with 
overarching maguey bushes, the squadron was closed compactly 
up, moving by twos and fours, as the nature of the ground 
admitted. 

In the mean time, this advance-guard being driven in, reported 

* When General Lane entered the city of Puebla on the 13th of October, such 
was the haggard and exhausted condition of its defenders, that it was supposed to 
have been almost physically impossible for them to have held out two days longer. 

+ This diflers materially from the official report ; but, as it comes from the lips of 
one who heard distinctly the orders given, it is but just to rescue the memory of 
the intrepid Walker from the charge of rashness implied in the report. 



HEROISM OF CAPTAIN WALKER. 501 

the enemy still in force in the jjla/.a ;uul adjacent streets, but 
evidently preparing to retire. 

Throwing these men again in front, Walker rapidly seized the 
opportunity which the confusion of the enemy offered, and as 
soon as his command neared the plaza, he ordered the trumpet 
to sound a charge. Of the four companies under his command, 
only his own company of seventy-five men responded to the call 
of tlieir heroic leader.* These, spurring forward with enthusiastic 
shouts, gallopped into the plaza, seized the cannon from the 
afli-ighted artillerists, and then precipitated themselves upon the 
supporting force of some four hundred lancers. 

Foremost of all in this noble charge was the gallant Walker. 
Firing his revolvers with a cool, steady, equable movement, hi^ 
unerring hand brought down an enemy with every shot. And 
then, closing up, looking neither to the right hand nor the left, nor 
turning once back to see by whom he was supported, he kept his 
place in the advance, and wherever the enemy attempted to make 
a stand, dashed upon him with a cry of triumph, and tore a 
bloody pathway through. 

The fierce impetuosity of such a charge no enemy could long 
Avithstand. Closely followed by his ow'n daring company, the 
lancers were soon put to rout, and pursued out of the city and 
beyond it for more than a mile. 

Flushed with success. Walker returned to the plaza, and while 
the rest of his command was coming slowly in from the pursuit, 
those that remained about him were engaged in securing the 

* None of the other companies of cavalry were in the engiagcmcnt at all; nor did 
tliey make their appearance until the inlaniry was near at hand and their services 
no longer of any paramount importance. The terrific conflict at Iluamantla was 
borne by Walker's Rifles only : had these been properly supported, they would have 
been saved from almost utter annihilation, and ilie fate of their heroic commander 
might have been difTerent. 

From this censure a part of the oflTicers must be relieved. Captains Lewis and 
Besancon, and Lieutenants Anderson and Wnter? rode off from their commands, 
and. joining the Rifles, fought mo^'I galhiiitly. 



502 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

cannon already captured. But the triumph of the daring victors 
was destined to be of short duration. While thus busily em- 
ployed, to the number of twenty-five men only, the look-out 
stationed in the steeple of the church opposite, warned Captain 
Walker that the fugitive lancers, powerfully reinforced, were 
gallopping impetuously towards the plaza. 

Sheltering his horses behind the wall of a convent-yard, 
Walker stationed his dismounted men at the windows of the house 
adjoining, and coolly awaited the expected charge. Riding 
fiercely up the streets, with that triumphant confidence which the 
knowledge of their immense superiority inspired, the lancers 
dashed into the plaza. 

In an instant the whole front rank, as if simultaneously struck 
by the same lightning-flash, fell dead. For one moment — it was 
only for one moment — their comrades continued to advance ; 
but a plunging fire from the first and second stories of the house, 
and from behind the parapet of the roof, drove them back in 
huddled-up confusion. 

Retreating out of rifle-shot, they could yet be seen hanging 
irresolutely about the edges of the streets leading to the plaza, 
while the movements and gesticulations of their officers indicated 
that they were endeavouring to urge the men to make another 
attack. 

But the fear of the deadly and unerring rifle made them for a 
time hold back. At intervals, indeed, the numerous trumpets 
would blow a charge, and then the enemy, as if lashed into 
firmness, would move out for a short distance, but after settling 
themselves in their saddles, their brief stimulus seemed to desert 
them ; they would move on, then hesitate, then halt altogether, 
and at length, overcome by their fears, wheel round and return 
to their starting-place. 

But this hesitation and timidity, though affecting in a like 
degree some of the Mexican officers, did not extend to all. A 



walker's daring stratagem. 503 

few brave men were seen riding across the front, urging, implor- 
ing, commanding, and even threatening, but all in vain. At 
last, one heroic spirit, as if determined to excite the courage of 
his command by his own brilliant example, gallopped out from 
their midst, and dashed alone across the plaza, waving his sword 
and calling upon his men to follow. The gallant fellow suc- 
ceeded in reaching the gate of the convent-yard, and there fell 
riddled with balls. 

The Mexicans were now seen for some time in earnest con- 
sultation, but after a while this ended, and then they scattered in 
various directions, swept round interior streets, and reappeared, 
choking up every avenue leading to the plaza. 

The object of this movement was soon discovered. Two-thirds 
of the Rifles, who had been carried away by the ardour of pursuit, 
or were sent out in search of the missing artillery, were now seen 
by the look-out hovering beyond the dense masses of lancers, 
vainly endeavouring to find some break in the hostile circle by 
which they might rejoin their companions. It was, therefore, to 
cut off these men from all hope of succour that the lancers had 
occupied all those streets by which they might have succeeded in 
reaching the plaza. 

No sooner, however, was Captain Walker made acquainted 
with the situation of his men, than he adopted a daring stratagem 
for their release. 

Leaving behind him a few men under Lieutenant Claiborne to 
garrison the house and protect the artillery from recapture, he 
mounted the rest of his command, and sallying into the plaza, 
commenced what seemed to be a retreat. Immediately he left 
the protection of the enclosure, the lancers darted out from the 
different streets and bore down upon him in converging line. 
The avenues being thus partially cleared, and many of his strag- 
glers having succeeded in passing through. Walker now suddenly 



504 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

wheeled his little command, and furiously charging the enemy, 
attempted to cut his way back to the convent yard. 

His whole command numbered at this time scarcely more than 
twenty men, while the intervening space was literally crammed 
with the dense masses of the enemy. 

In front, and by successive leaps, rather than by regular pro- 
gression, he plunged upon the nearest of the enemy, and won by 
a length at a time the ground occupied by his foes. Standing 
erect in his stirrups, with his clenched teeth gleaming white from 
beneath the tightly-drawn upper lip and its long red overshadow- 
ing moustache, those who saw the gallant soldier at this fearful 
time, still call to mind with terrible distinctness how the blood 
trickled down from his uplifted sword, and, falling across his 
hand, died with crimson streaks the white mane of his horse ; 
and they remember, too, with what surpassing coolness his com- 
mands were uttered, even while the incessant attacks of the lancers 
were gradually lessening the number of his devoted followers. 

Swayed to and fro by the pressure of accumulating numbers, 
now dashing onward a few paces, and now forced back to the 
wall, the little band of twenty, finally reduced to only seven men, 
succeeded at length in reaching to within a few yards of the con- 
vent gate. But they could proceed no further. Their former 
spirited attacks were now changed to incessant yet hopeless par- 
ryings of the lance-points thrust at them from all sides. But, at 
the moment when all seemed lost, the captured gun in front of 
the gateway was turned upon the lancers by some of the slender 
garrison, and Lieutenant Claiborne made the attempt to fire it 
with his pistol. The lancers, on seeing this, gave way, and Cap- 
tain Walker, followed by his sorely diminished troop, dashed at 
the gate, and entered it with a loss of thirteen men. 

These, with the stragglers, who had succeeded in getting 
through, soon commenced a destructive fire from the windows 



DEATH OF CAPTAIN WALKER. 505 

and roof, and the baffled enemy once more fell hack and occupied 
the neighbouring streets. 

It was at this time, when the enemy had entirely deserted the 
plaza, that Captain Walker stepped out a few paces from the 
gateway, and was in the act of directing his men to draw the 
captured cannon nearer to the yard ; when, in the midst of the 
most profound silence, the report of a single gun was heard, and 
those who looked across the square, saw the smoke issue from a 
window of the house opposite, and from which a white flag had 
been flying during the whole engagement. In another instant a 
sharp agonizing cry arose, and then passed from lip to lip of th« 
bereaved garrison the fearful words : " Captain Walker is killed!" 
It was but too true ; the treacherous ball fired from behind, had 
entered the shoulder, and passing obliquely downwards came out 
on the side. He fell instantly and was carried within the yard. 
In half an hour he was dead. 

With his last breath, his heroic exhortation to his sorrowing 
command was : " Never surrender!" 

Thus fell, in the very vigour of manhood, one of the most re- 
markable men of the age. As a partisan soldier, he had not, 
perhaps, his equal in any service — prompt, daring, and energetic, 
his fiery ardour was yet tempered in the midst of danger by the 
most imperturbable coolness. 

With a constitution confirmed and strengthened by a life of 
toil and hardship — a life full of romantic incidents and terrible 
episodes, he was able to endure the vicissitudes of climates and 
hunger and thirst and prolonged fatigue, to an extent, and with 
an apparent insensibility, that was a theme and a w'onder to all 
who knew him. 

To a most thorough knowledge of the cunning, treacherous, 
and cruel character of the enemy, he united an intense personal 
hatred, the result of foregone and painful experiences. But yet, 
fierce as he at all times proved himself, both in the random fight 



506 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

and in the headlong charge, no man was more humane, even to 
the enemy he despised, when the brunt of the battle was over, 
and the wounded lay about him. 

To disabled men and defenceless women, he was at all times 
a sure friend and a protector. Even in the last fatal battle of 
Huamantla, he was seen to alight from his horse in the midst of 
the street, tie up with his own hands the dislocated jaw of a 
stricken enemy, and remove him to the wall, lest he should be 
trampled upon by advancing horsemen. 

His conduct towards his own command was a happy compound 
of decision and kindness. To all the duties of a well disciplined 
soldier, he exacted the most implicit obedience. His discipline, 
both as respects the cavalry exercise and rifle practice, was of 
the most rigid character; but at the same time, his thoughtful 
regard for the comfort of his men was so well known, and his 
attention to their requirements so steady and unremitting, that 
the strict disciplinarian was soon forgotten in the kind-hearted 
man, and a love sprang up between himself and his command, 
that, with the few who yet survive, will remain a tender and a 
tearful memory for ever. 

Nor was his loss mourned by his own company only, it was 
felt by the whole army. One with whom he had been at variance, 
a gallant, generous, open-hearted man, when he heard of his 
death, burst into tears and exclaimed : " I would have given two 
years of my life, but for fifteen minutes' speech with Captain 
Walker ;" and even the official report of the commanding general 
rises into a mournful dignity, when announcing the event. With 
a brevity that approaches the sublime, it says : — 

" This victory is saddened by the loss of one of the most 
chivalric, noble-hearted men that graced the profession of arms — 
Captain Samuel H. Walker, of the mounted riflemen. Foremost 
in the advance, he had routed the enemy when he fell mortally 
wounded." 



LANE MARCHES TO PUEBLA. 507 

How otherwise than so gloriously, should an heroic spirit like 
his desire to die ? 

After the deatli of Captain Walker, the command devolved 
upon Captain Lewis. The enemy made one more attempt upon 
the convent-yard and the house adjoining, but was again repulsed 
with loss. 

Finding all further effort useless, and the infantry under 
General Lane coming up at this time, the guerrilleros rapidly 
abandoned the city, lea\nng two pieces of artillery and a large 
quantity of ammunition in the hands of the victors. The 
Mexican loss in the engagement was one hundred and fifty, 
killed and wounded. 

But brilliant as the event had been to the American arms, 
and although the victory of Huamantla prevented General Santa 
Anna from intercepting the train at the Black Pass, according to 
his original plan, the success was dearly won. Of all that 
splendid company of mounted riflemen, constituting the imme- 
diate command of Captain Walker, and which numbered seventy- 
five men at the commencement of the engagement, only seventeen 
were able to keep the saddle at its close. 

That same evening, General Lane took up his line of march 
for Puebla, and reached his destination about one o'clock on the 
afternoon of the 13th. His presence having speedily relieved 
the exhausted garrison of that city from an obstinate and long- 
protracted investment, he rested his men for a few" days, and 
then turned his attention to those secluded towns, which were yet 
daring enough to afford refuge and protection to the guerrilleros. 
66 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

Battle of Atlixco — Running Fight with the Guerrilleros— Atlixco taken— Expedi- 
tion to Matamoros — Its Capture — Lane returns to Puebla — Is attacked — Daring 
Bravery of Colonel Hays — Peace Prospects — Anaya elected President — Secret 
Expedition to Tehuacan — Escape of General Santa Anna — Orizaba captured — 
Garrisoned. 

Learning, on the 18th of October, that a considerable body 
of guerrilleros was at Atlixco, a town about ten leagues from 
Perote, General Lane marched from Puebla, on the morning of 
the 19th, for the purpose of attacking them. 

His force consisted of the 4th Ohio and the 4th Indiana regi- 
ments, Major Lally's and Captain Heintzelman's battalions, 
Colonel Wynkoop's battalion of four companies of the 1st Penn- 
sylvania regiment, Taylor's and Pratt's batteries of light artillery, 
and a squadron of dragoons under Captain Ford. 

The advance-guard of the enemy was first discovered near 
Santa Isabella about four o'clock in the afternoon. General Lane 
then halted his force, and waited until the cavalry should come 
up. In the mean time, the enemy came down to the foot of the 
hill where he was posted, and invited the attack by the firing of 
escopets, and waving of lances. As soon as the cavalry came 
up, the column moved forward. Lally's battalion led the advance, 
while the Ohio regiment made a wide sweep to the left of the 
road, for the purpose of flanking a deep ravine on that side. 

No sooner were these arrangements observed by the enemy 
than he began to exliibit signs of irresolution. The cavalry was 
508 



RUNNING FIGHT WITH THE GUERRILLEROS. 509 

accordingly ordered to charge at once, and keep the enemy 
engaged until the infantry should have time to come up. 

Pratt's battery was ordered to follow at a gallop, but owing to 
a previous change in its position was unable to do so ; and the 
opportunity which then presented itself of taking prisoners the 
entire force of the enemy, was consequently lost. 

The cavalry, however, pursued the retreating enemy, and a 
brisk running fight ensued. On arriving at a small hill, another 
stand was made, but the appearance of the infantry and a few 
shots from the artillery, soon caused the flight to be renewed. 
The dragoons followed the fugitives closely for about four miles, 
when the main body of the enemy was discovered strongly posted 
on a side-hill, round which the road curved in the form of a 
horse-shoe. It was on the o{)posite side of the curve that the 
enemy had stationed himself, and the fire from his escopets com- 
manded the entire sweep of the road ; but the cavalry by a bold 
dash gallopped round the circuit under a heavy and continuous 
fire, and, dismounting at the base of the hill, charged the cha- 
parral on foot, and commenced a desperate engagement which 
lasted until the infantry made their appearance, when the enemy 
fled to Atlixco, a distance of about a mile and a half. The 
cavalry being too much exhausted to head the pursuit any further, 
the infantry- now took the lead ; but, before they reached the town, 
night had already set in. As they approached the town several 
shots were fired at them ; and General Lane, deeming it unsafe to 
risk a street-fight by such imperfect light as the moon alone 
afforded, halted his command and ordered the artillery to take 
possession of a hill overlooking the town and open its fire. 

This was promptly done. After pouring a rapid and well 
directed fire into the most populous parts of the town, for three- 
quarters of an hour. General Lane silenced his artillery, and 
directed Major Lally and Colonel Brough to advance with their 



510 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

commands into the town. It was immediately surrendered by 
the authorities. But the guerrilleros had already dispersed. 

The Mexican loss on this occasion was very severe : between 
Santa Isabella and Atlixco, no less than five hundred and nine- 
teen of the enemy were killed and wounded, while the Americans 
lost only two men.* 

Routed from Atlixco, the remainder of the guerilleros, under 
General Rea, retreated upon Matamoros, which became, in the 
course of a short time, the head-quarters of all those predatory 
bands who were yet held together by various chiefs, though 
actuated far less by patriotic considerations than the hope of 
occasional plunder. 

Forming, however, a nucleus around which many disaffected 
men began to rally, the Mexican government affected to recog- 
nise these insubordinates as a part of the army which yet remained 
available for future operations. A military depot was conse- 
quently established at Matamoros, and the mixed force there 
assembled well supplied with artillery and munitions of war. 
In order to break up this organization, and seize the public stores, 
General Lane determined to make a sudden descent upon the 
town. 

He accordingly started from Puebla, on the night of the 22d 
of November, taking with him only one hundred and sixty men 
and one piece of artillery. These, however, were all choice 
troops, and well fitted to move with that celerity which the nature 
of the service demanded. They consisted of twenty-five men 
under the command of Lieutenant Field, 3d artillery, and one 
hundred and tliirty-five men, part of whom were Texan rangers 
under Colonel John C. Hays, and part Louisiana dragoons under 
Captain Lewis. 

Notwithstanding the incessant rain, wliich continued from ten 
o'clock on the evening of the 22d until five o'clock the following 

* Lane's Official Report synopsized. 



GENERAL LANE ATTACKED. 511 

morning, they reached iMatamoros by seven o'clock A. M. of the 
23d, " accomplishing a march of fifty- four miles in twelve hours." 

Charging the advance-guard of the enemy as they approached 
the town, they drove it back upon the main body within the city, 
and by a dashing attack upon the combined force of the enemy, 
dispersed it with scarcely a shadow of resistance. 

In this short action, from sixty to eighty of the enemy were 
killed or wounded, while the Americans did not lose a single 
man. Among the killed was Colonel Piedras, commanding at 
Matamoros, two artillery and several other officers. Twenty- 
seven American soldiers, who had been captured at various places, 
were discovered and set free. Three pieces of bronze cannon 
were captured, together with a considerable supply of ammuni- 
tion of all kinds, and large quantities of public stores. 

After resting his men at Matamoros during the whole of the 
•23d, Lane set out on his return to Puebla on the morning of 
the 24th. 

While moving with difficulty through a long mountamous pass, 
called the Pass of Galaxra, the train became considerably extended, 
the artillery, and four wagons containing captured property, ha^^ng 
fallen far in the rear. At this time the advance-guard, consisting 
of some thirty mounted riflemen, under Captain Roberts, were 
driven in, pursued by two hundred lancers. Colonel Hays 
was instantly ordered to the front, to unite with the advance- 
guard, and engage the enemy. His movement was gallantly 
executed. The lancers were charged with such impetuosity, that 
they broke, and were pursued " across an extended plain, and 
towards the mountain, from which they had made the attack." 

When about midway of the hill the enemy attempted to rally, 
but falling rapidly before the rifles of Hays, again broke and was 
pursued across the crest of the mountain. 

Here the enemy were reinforced by five hundred lancers under 
General Rea, and the, mounted men under Hays not carrying 



512 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

sabres, being armed only with revolvers and rifles, which had been 
already discharged, he gave the order to fall back to their original 
position. This was performed in fine style, and in the face of a 
charge of five hundred lancers. Hays himself fell to the rear of 
his command, and halting as the enemy advanced, deliberately 
shot dead two of the foremost, and then covered his own retreat 
until within supporting distance of the artillery and dragoons. 

As soon as the former unlimbered, the enemy retired to the 
mountains ; and, although he hovered for some hours afterwards 
along the line of march, he did not again venture an attack. The 
Mexican loss in this affair was fifty killed and wounded, that of 
the Americans two men killed and two wounded ; one of the 
former was Lieutenant Henderson Ridgley, a young officer of 
much promise, who was lanced mortally while charging by the 
side of Colonel Hays. 

After visiting Atlixco and refreshing his men at that place, 
General Lane returned to Puebla, which he reached on the after- 
noon of the 25th, after an absence of sixty hours.* On his return, 
he heard at Cholula that the Mexicans had just finished two 
pieces of artillery at Guexocingo ; these he determined to destroy, 
and, proceeding thither with a part of his forces, he found that the 
guns had been removed, but destroyed the carriages, which had 
been left behind. 

Information having reached General Lane that a train of thirty- 
six wagons, containing merchandise belonging to merchants in 
Puebla and the capital, had been captured at San Martin by 
guerrilleros under Generals Rea and Torrejon, he started in pur- , 
suit of the marauders with a party of cavalry and infantry, and 
overtook them at Tlascala on their way to Queretaro with the 
booty. Captain Roberts, with the Mounted Rifles, first came up 
with them, and attacking them with headlong impetuosity, 

'Official Report of General Lane. 



PEACE PROSPECTS. 513 

scattered them in every direction. Seventeen of the enemy were 
killed, and fourteen officers taken prisoners, without loss to the 
Americans. The wagons and nearly their entire contents were 
recaptured. 

These repeated incursions being followed up by others of a like 
character, the condition of the guerilleros was soon reduced to 
the extreme of weakness. 

Hunted from their hiding-places in the mountains, and timidly 
refused admittance into those towns which had usually afforded 
them protection, they had no alternative left but to disband as 
quietly as possible, or to take refuge in states as yet remote from 
the American arms. 

This routing of the guerrilleros had also another and equally 
beneficial effect. It carried the terrors of war into those small 
but wealthy towns, to which, at the commencement of the cam- 
paign, most of the better class of Mexicans had retired. These 
having experienced none of the evils which accompany the 
presence of a hostile soldiery, had been hitherto most clamorous 
for a continuance of the war. But when they found themselves 
unexpectedly exposed to the effects of sudden and uncertain 
irruptions, and their quiet abiding-places in daily danger of being 
crushed in by shot or shells, they became sudden, but very decided 
converts to the blessings of peace, and wondered at the obstinacy 
of the people of more distant states, who, being exempt from the 
calamities experienced by those nearer the scene of action, still 
cried out lustily against any negotiation with " the barbarians of 
the North." 

But the cry gradually grew fainter and fainter. The election 
for deputies to the new Congress took place, and resulted in a 
large majority favourable to peace. 

A considerable party yet remained, it is true, who sought, by 
artful appeals to the passions of the people, to keep alive those 
hostile elements by which alone they could hope to prosper. 



514 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Generals Santa Anna, Paredes, Gomez Farias, and their adherents, 
still shouted war ; but the more sensible portion of the nation 
began to see, in its further prosecution, the eventual absorption 
of the Mexican republic, and its annexation as a conquered pro- 
vince to the republic of the United States. Reinforcements were 
already flocking in by thousands, and emigration might soon be 
expected to follow. The question was reduced, therefore, to a 
sacrifice of territory, or that of separate independence ; and, with 
becoming patriotism, they inclined to the former. In leaning to 
this decision, they were doubtless influenced by the fact that the 
United States already held, by conquest, the territories for the 
cession of which she offered to pay an equivalent in money ; and 
that, if this ofTer was again refused, she might determine to keep 
possession without any remuneration at all, and defy recapture. 

Amid the anarchy and confusion that prevailed, Santa Anna 
was intriguing for restoration to the supreme power, which he had 
abandoned ; and Paredes, who had returned from exile, was 
active and persevering for the establishment of a monarchy, of 
which he expected to be constituted head. But the government 
and the people began to see the selfish designs of these chieftains, 
and not only discountenanced, but thwarted their designs. Pena 
y Pena, upon whom the supreme power of the government had 
devolved, ordered General Santa Anna to surrender his forces to 
General Rincon, in the following letter of his Secretary of State : 

" Office of Home and Foreign Relations, ) 
S. W. Department. ) 

" Excellent Sir : His Excellency the Seiior Provisional Pre- 
sident of the republic, feeling profoundly his duties to his coun- 
try, convinced of the necessity of establishing in the nation public 
morality, and of gi"ving more energy to the discipline of the army, 
almost extinguished by civil dissensions — desiring, moreover, to 
manifest to the people of the city of Mexico, and other points 
now in the enemy's possession, that their lot is not indiflferent to 



SANTA ANNA DEPRIVED OF COMMAND. 515 

his Excellency — considering, in fnie, that in every country, well 
organized, the generals of an army answer before a tribunal for 
the faults which they have committed, and even for the misfor- 
tunes which may have befallen them in their campaigns — has 
resolved that your Excellency deliver u}) the chief command of 
the army to his Excellency the General of Division, Don Manuel 
Rincon ; and until this chief may present himself to receive it, 
temporarily to his Excellency Senor General Don Juan Alvarez. 

"The President orders that your Excellency establish head- 
quarters wherever you may see fit, in agreement w^ith the supreme 
government, and there await, under the guarantees of its word 
and honour, the orders you may receive regarding the formation 
of a council-of-war, who may judge your Excellency for the loss 
of the actions which your Excellency, as Commander-in-chief in 
the present war, has directed, and particularly for the loss of the 
capital of the republic. 

'< His Excellency the President believes that it is due to your 
own honour that, by a council-of-war, your conduct should be 
cleared of all blame, and he entertains the hope that the result 
will be favourable for your Excellency. I have the honour of 
communicating to you this supreme order, and have the honour 
of ofTering you my distinguished consideration. God and liberty ! 

ROSAS. 

To His Excellency Senor General, well deserving of 
his country, Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna." 

Refusing to obey this order, Santa Anna directed the chief part 
of his troops to join General Alvarez, in Oajaca, and the remain- 
der, with the exception of a small body-guard for himself, to 
repair to Queretaro. The fallen general attempted to find his 
way out of the country through Oajaca ; but, changing his inten- 
tion, he returned to Tehuacan, from which place he addressed a 
protest to the new government, in which he asserted that he had 
67 



516 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

only divested himself temporarily of executive authority, that he 
might be able to oppose the enemy with more vigour. He pub- 
lished, also, an appeal to the people, complaining of the treat- 
ment he had received, and magnifying his services in the cause 
of his country. But he had now lost the power of moving and 
moulding the people to his will. 

On the 11th of November, General Anaya was elected Presi- 
dent of the Mexican republic, until the 8th day of January, 1848; 
this being the remainder of the constitutional term yet unexpired. 
His opponent was General Almonte, who was warmly supported 
by the adherents of Santa Anna, who sought by this means to 
raise the fallen fortunes of their chieftains. 

The choice of this distinguished man, more than any event 
which had yet occurred, justified the opinion that the war was 
now drawing to a close. Friendly to peace, and at the same 
time acknowledged to be devoted to the best interests of his coun- 
try, the inaugural address of President Anaya was looked forward 
to with an anxiety heightened by the solemn urgency of the 
occasion, and the importance of the subject upon which it would 
necessarily treat. 

In this address, which is remarkable for its mildness and 
brevity. General Anaya rather hints, than openly asserts, his own 
prepossession in favour of a peace ; but the favourable manner in 
which even this slender intimation was received by the assem- 
bled deputies, emboldened the new government, the leading 
members of which, Peiia y Pena, Secretary of State, and Mora y 
Villamil, Minister of War, were avowed friends of peace, to im- 
mediately organize a commission for the purpose of reopening 
negotiations with Mr. Trist. But, as the powers with which the 
latter gentleman had been intrusted by his government had been 
subsequently revoked, it became doubtful whether the favourable 
opportunity which now presented itself might not be lost alto- 
gether. 



SECRET EXPEDITION TO TEHUACAN. 517 

With a happy daring, which under other circumstances would 
have been censured severely, Mr. Trist determined to assume 
the responsibility of still acting as the agent of the United States, 
provided the negotiation could be conducted upon the basis of 
the project formerly refused. 

One great obstacle to negotiation was felt to be the presence 
of General Santa Anna. His adherents, though few in number, 
were yet strong enough to disturb harmonious action ; and the 
knowledge that the vanquished general was still in Orizaba, 
watching an opportunity to regain his popularity, withheld many 
from joining the advocates of peace, who would otherwise have 
ranked themselves among its supporters. 

An expedition undertaken by General Lane on the 18th of 
January, tended materially to hasten a pacific result. His 
command, consisting of dragoons, rifles, and Texan rangers, all 
well mounted, and numbering three hundred and fifty men, left 
the city of Mexico on the day already mentioned, taking the 
National Road in the direction of Vera Cruz. Colonel Hays 
was in chief command of the rangers, and Colonel Polk led 
the mounted riflemen and dragoons. The column reached Venda 
de Chalco by four o'clock the next morning, and by nine o'clock the 
same evening reached the Rio Frio Pass. The next day it entered 
Puebla. On the evening of the 21st the column again started, 
a^.d at the village of Amazoque diverged from the National Road, 
and pursued one to the left for a distance of ten or twelve miles, 
when the direction of the column was again changed. The road 
now taken was a mere mule-path, winding among the mountains, 
and for ten miles presented nothing but a rough bed of jagged 
limestone rock. On gaining a hacienda near the village of 
Santa Clara, at the foot of the mountains, the general halted 
for the day. Then it was he first informetl his command, that 
the expedition had been organized for the purpose of attempt- 



518 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

ing the arrest of General Santa Anna, who was known to ha\e 
taken refuge at Tehuacan, a town some forty nailes distant. 

At night the column was again put in motion, the inmates of 
the hacienda, and all persons previously met, having been put 
under strict surveillance, to prevent any tidings from reaching 
Tehuacan ; but the deepest and wisest plans often prove abortive 
when success is nearest. , 

Shortly after leaving the hacienda, a party of armed Mexicans 
w'ere encountered escorting a carriage. These were immediately 
arrested, when the traveller stepped from the vehicle and pre- 
sented a passport from General Smith, authorizing him to proceed 
from Mexico to Orizaba and back, accompanied by eight armed 
servants. The cortege was permitted to proceed. 

No sooner, how'ever, had the column passed out of sight, than 
the traveller, surmising the object of the expedition, despatched 
one of his servants by a shorter route across the country tow^ards 
Tehuacan, who apprised General Santa Anna of the approach of 
the Americans. He immediately fled ; and when the excited 
rangers dashed into the plaza some two hours afterwards, with 
their revolvers cocked and their eyes roving from window to 
parapet in the hope of resistance, the expected captive w-as far 
beyond reach of pursuit. 

It appears by a letter of Santa Anna's to the Minister of War, 
dated at Cascatlan, February 1st, 1848, that while Santa Anna 
was engaged in writing a note, requesting a passport to leave 
the country, that he learned of Lane's advance and hastily re- 
tired. After leaving Tehuacan, he took refuge in the town of 
Teotitlan del Camiro, where there were troops from Oajaca. He 
was subsequently permitted to leave the country, and embarked 
on the 4th of April at Antigua, near Vera Cruz, in a Spanish 
brig, destined for Kingston, Jamaica. 

After resting for a day and a night at this place. General Lane 
determined to push on to Orizaba, a beautiful town situated in 



ORIZABA GARRISONED. 519 

the valley of that name, and containing from twenty to twenty- 
five thousand inhabitants. Near the village of Acalcingo, the 
column was met by the curate and ayuntamiento, by whom they 
were furnished with good quarters for the night. The next 
morning General Lane was waited on by the authorities of the 
city of Orizaba, who desired to know upon what terms he would 
accept the surrender of the city. His reply was, they should 
know^ when he had possession. 

When within about three miles of the city, he was approached 
by a larger and more imposing deputation, who accompanied the 
column to the gates, and there formally surrendered the keys 
without making any stipulation whatsoever. 

Having thus quietly obtained possession of the city, General 
Lane appointed Major Polk its civil and military governor, and 
intrusted to Colonel Hays the chief command of the troops. A 
few days afterwards. Colonel Bankhead arrived with large rein- 
forcements, and the possession of the city was thus effectually 
secured by the presence of a competent garrison. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

Election of General Herrera— Situation of Public Aflairs— Mr. Trist— Assumption 
of Power — Negotiations for Peace opened — Mutual Concessions — Adoption of a 
Treaty of Peace — Sanctioned by the Mexican Congress — Treaty amended and 
adopted by the United States Senate — Ratifications exchanged — Evacuation of the 
Mexican Capital by the American Forces— Territory acquired by the Treaty- 
Description of the Country— New Mexico— Resources of the Country— Upper 
California— The Sierra Nevada— The Great Basin — Great Salt Lake— Produc- 
tions of the Country— Temperature — The Gold Mines — Valley of the Sacra- 
mento — Nueva Helvetia — Captain Sutter — Discovery of Gold by Sutter — Rich- 
ness of the Deposit — Consequences of the War — Consequences to the United 
States— To the Inhabitants of the Territory acquired— To Mexico— To the 
Countries adjacent — To the Isles of the Pacific. 

On the 8th of January, 1848, General Herrera was elected con- 
stitutional President of the Mexican republic. This was another 
advance made by the peace party, and showed that the nation 
had at length become thoroughly alarmed at the situation of 
affairs. 

Never, indeed, had the independence of Mexico been in so 
great a danger as at this period. Her armies beaten and dis- 
persed, her arsenals and forts in the possession of the enemy, her 
stores and resources exhausted ; she lay prostrate at the feet of 
her victorious foe. The probability of absorption into the republic 
of the United States, became, therefore, every day less doubtful ; 
and had the Mexican government refused much longer those 
overtures for peace, which it had been repeatedly and so earnestly 
urged to accept, it is certain that the course of conduct thus 
forced upon the Executive of the United States, would have 
ended in the annihilation of the separate independence of the 
sister republic. 

Fortunately the Mexican people, while standing upon the 

(520) 



MR. TRIST. 521 

very brink of destruction as a nation, saw, witli at least partial 
distinctness, the consequences which inevitably awaited them, 
if they advanced but a single step further. That step was not 
taken. The perilous position was slowly abandoned, and those 
negotiations commenced, which, with the loss of that portion of 
the republic which they were too weak to defend, were to insure 
the independence of what yet remained. 

It has been already stated, that shortly after the election of 
Anaya to the temporary occupancy of the Presidency, a commis- 
sion had been appointed to confer with the American agent, Mr. 
Trist, and that the latter, conscious that his powers were annulled 
by his own government, hesitated for a while as to what step he 
should take in the emergency, but at length decided to meet the 
commissioners, as if he was still clothed with powers to treat,froni 
the American Executive. This was a rash assumption of authority, 
which, under other circumstances, might have entailed serious 
consequences upon the nation which he professed to serve. But 
Mr. Trist knew his countrymen : he was conscious that, to the 
majority of the American nation, peace was desirable upon any 
terms not incompatible with its honour. Constant success had 
cloyed the public appetite ; and the possibility of a long-continued 
war afTecting the financial condition of the country, began to be 
weighed seriously by those upon whom the burden would fall 
most heavily. 

He knew also that an act of successful daring, even when per- 
formed in defiance of the express commands of those whose po- 
sition entitles them to implicit obedience, has always been 
regarded with a lenient eye b}" the people of the United States. 
With them the success cancels the obligation. How far a less 
tavourable result would have excused the temerity of the offence, 
Mr. Trist was happily not called upon to experience. 

The negotiations opened harmoniously by concessions on both 
sides. The old issues were surrendered. Mexico abandoned 



522 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

her claim to the Nueces as her frontier, while Mr. Trist waived 
the cession of Lower California, and the right of way across 
the isthmus of 'rehuantepec. The consideration in money, 
which he had previously offered for the transfer of New Mexico 
and Upper California, he professed himself still willing to allow, 
also to pay to citizens of the United States the amounts of their 
claims upon the Mexican republic, under the conventions of April 
1839 and January 1843. The definition of boundaries, as origi- 
nally drawn up by the government of the United States, subject 
to the exceptions already mentioned, was then discussed and 
finally accepted by the Mexican commissioners ; and on the 2d 
of February, at the city of Guadalupe Hidalgo, a treaty of peace, 
elaborated in due form, w^as unanimously adopted and signed by 
Senors Conto, Cuevas, and Atristain, as commissioners on the part 
of the JNIexican government, and by Mr. Trist on that of the 
I'nited States, subject to the ratification of their respective govern- 
ments. 

Four days afterwards, Sefior Rosas, the Mexican Minister of 
Foreign Relations, notified the governors of the different states 
that the treaty had been concluded, and urged upon them the 
necessity of using their influence in insuring its prompt accept- 
ance by the deputies, then about to be assembled in special 
session. These deputies soon after met, and the treaty, having 
received their sanction, was instantly despatched to the govern- 
ment of the United States. Immediately on its receipt, 'it was 
submitted by the Executive to the action of the Senate, then in 
session, by whom, after a few unimportant amendments, it was 
solemnly ratified on the 9th of March, 1848. 

The Mexican Congress having ratified the treaty as amended 
by the Senate of the United States, the ratifications thereof were 
exchanged on the 30th of May, 1848, at Queretaro, by the 
American commissioners, Ambrose H. Sevier and Nathan Clifford, 
and Sefior Rosas, minister of Internal and Foreign Relations. 



TERRITORY ACQUIRED BY THE TREATY. 523 

Immediately tliercaftcr, tlie American troops began to evacuate 
the country. On the l:^th of June the last division left the 
capital. The American flag descended from the National Palace, 
after a complimentary salute by the Mexican artillery, in command 
of General La Vega, while the Mexican colours were run up 
amid a salute from the battery of Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan. 

The treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ceded to the United States 
territories extending from the eastern base of the Rocky Moun- 
tains to the shores of the Pacific, in breadth over ten degrees of 
latitude, and containing an area of far more than half a million 
of square miles. This vast region, exceedingly diversified in 
features, in climate, and in soil, has been usually comprehended 
under the rather vaguely applied names of Upper California and 
New Mexico. Between these two acknowledged, though greatly 
unequal, divisions, no boundary-line seems ever to have been 
definitely fixed. They meet and melt into each other; and, so 
far at least as Mexican geographers enlighten us, while Nuevo 
Mexico implies the country extending from the easternmost 
range of the Northern Cordilleras, towards the w^est, by Alta Cali- 
fornia, on the other hand, may be understood, the region reaching 
from the coast of the Pacific far away towards the rising sun. 

This indefiniteness of boundary being premised, we shall not 
be surprised to find the area of New Mexico estimated at one 
time as covering two hundred thousand, and at another time as 
embracing only forty-four thousand square miles. For any prac- 
tical purpose, we shall not, perhaps, materially err, in considering 
the name applicable strictly to the irregularly shaped basin of the 
Upper Rio Grande. This extensive district is on all sides 
hemmed in, and in all directions crossed and chequered, by bleak 
and barren mountains, whose summits rise from ten to thirteen 
thousand feet above the level of the sea. Its table-lands, formintr 
part of the great Mexican plateau, are everywhere strewed with 
large angular fragments of basalt, trap, lava, and amygdaloid. 
68 



524 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

The valleys alone offer inducements to cultivation. These, how- 
ever, are numerous, of various sizes and running at various 
angles into the main valley of the Rio Grande. The latter is 
described as being magnificent in scenery and rich in soil, tra- 
versed by mountain streams paying tribute to the broad bright 
river, whose whole course is dotted by towns, villages, and farms. 
The whole country enjoys a bland and salubrious climate. 

New Mexico is divided into three departments, the Northern, 
the Middle, and the South-eastern : these are subdivided into 
counties or districts ; and these again into townships. Of the 
principal divisions, that lying furthest south is incomparably the 
richest, the valley of the Del Norte in this part containing the 
main agricultural wealth of the state, and sustaining a population 
of about fifty thousand, most of whom are in easy circumstances, 
and many possess wealth in land, stock, and gold dust. From 
official documents found at Santa Fe, Lieutenant Abert calculated 
the population of the whole state at one hundred thousand ; others 
raise the estimate to one hundred and sixty thousand. In either 
number is included the Pueblo Indian population. The mountains 
are said to contain immense mineral treasures, and when even 
imperfectly, and under great difficulties, worked, to have bounti- 
fully repaid the labour. Gold, silver, lead, and copper, with 
coal and brimstone, gypsum and salt, are all said to abound. 
Nor can there be much doubt of the correctness of these repre- 
sentations. The products of the valleys are grain, pulse, pepper, 
and onions, and, most valuable of all, the grape. In the latter 
the Rio Grande possesses a source of revenue, unsurpassed by 
any region in Europe. Even now many hundred thousand gallons 
of excellent wine are manufactured yearly, while to American 
energy the means are at hand for a tenfold increase. Immense 
herds of cattle, horses, and mules find sustenance on the mountain 
slopes ; and when, under new policy and ample protection, the 
countless hillsides shall have been thickly dotted over with sheep, 



UPPER CALIFORNIA. 525 

the mildness of the climate gives promise that New Mexico 
may, in the abundance and fineness of her fleeces, outrival Old 
Spain. Nor can we believe that the thousand unfailing moun- 
tain streams, that leap invitingly down to the valley, will be very 
long permitted to exhaust their unappreciated powers, strangers 
to American enterprise and manufacturing skill. 

Independent of its intrinsic value, as the future abode of a 
numerous and happy branch of the great republican family. New 
Mexico is, in a commercial and in a political view, an important 
and even necessary possession to the United States. Holding it, 
the latter will effectually suppress the ruinous incursions of the 
savage Indian tribes, and thus protect and nurse into prosperity, 
not only New Mexico itself, but, what true policy equally 
dictates, the adjoining provinces of the sister republic also. 
From Santa Fe to the city of Mexico, and to the several capitals 
and leading towns of the central states, the common table-land 
affords all facilities for travel. From Santa Fd to Fort Leaven- 
worth, the authority of Colonel Emory demonstrates that there are 
few obstacles for a railway, no obstacle insurmountable or of 
exceeding difficulty. Pursuing the route followed by Major 
Cooke, from the Rio Grande, across the great table-land, there 
is the all but established certainty, that such railway may be 
easily continued to the Pacific. Thus will be opened easy 
routes for the introduction of immense quantities of merchandise 
from the United States, into the then thriving and populous states 
of DurangOj Sonora, and Lower California ; while the most desir- 
able means of connexion shall have been secured between the 
new Great West, with its ocean tributary, and the teeming valley 
of the Father of Waters, 

The region which, under the name of Upper California, has 
passed under dominion of the American flag, lies between the 
32(1 and 42d degrees of north latitude, extending from Sonora and 
Lower California in the south, to Oregon in the north ; and reach- 



526 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

ing from the Pacific, over successive mountain ranges, basins, and 
table-lands, to the uncertain limits of New Mexico. The most 
eastern and central portions of this vast extent have been, until 
lately, wholly unknown, and are still unoccupied, save by a few 
wandering tribes of Indian savages. Its average length, and 
average breadth, are each about seven hundred miles. The 
natural diversities of such an extent of country, it may be antici- 
pated, must render any general description unsatisfactory and 
fallacious. But here those differences are greater than usually 
met with in tracts of even equal extent. 

The exceedingly interesting observations of Colonel Fremont, 
afford us the most satisfactory and reliable information in regard 
to the whole region. From these principally we must abbreviate, 
recommending the perusal of his memoir to those who desire fuller 
and more detailed accounts. 

The universally prevailing opinion has been, that the strip of 
country lying along the Pacific, and between that ocean and the 
Sierra Nevada, in length about seven hundred, and in breadth about 
an average of one hundred and twenty-five miles, was the only por- 
tion of Alta California capable of being cultivated and occupied 
by a civilized population. Exploration has ascertained the ground- 
lessness of this opinion. The Sierra Nevada — a part of that great 
range which, under different names and with different elevations, 
runs nearly parallel and nigh to the coast, from the Californian 
peninsula to Russian America — divides Upper California into two 
parts, exercising a decided influence on the climate, soil, and pro- 
ductions of each. Its appellation, " The Snowy," as applied in 
Spanish geography, ascertains the fact that its summits ever dwell 
in snow. " Stretching along the coast, and at a general distance 
of one hundred miles from it, this great mountain wall receives 
the warm winds, charged with vapour, which sweep across tht' 
Pacific Ocean, precipitates their accumulated moisture in fertilizing 
rains and snows upon its western flank, and leaves cold and dry 



THE GREAT BASIN. 527 

winds to pass on to the east. Hence the characteristic differences 
of the two regions — mikhiess, fertility, and a superb vei^etable 
kingdom on one side ; comparative barrenness and cold on the 
other." The state of vegetation, as well as thermometrical obser- 
vations, have established and illustrated the fact, that the two sides 
of the Sierra exhibit two distinct climates, varying by about 
twenty degrees. Thus, December on one side of the mountain 
was winter ; on the other it was spring. 

East of the Sierra Nevada, and between it and the Rocky 
Mountains, is that anomalous feature in our continent, the Great 
Basin ; some five hundred miles in diameter every way, between 
four and five thousand feet above the level of the sea, shut in all 
around by mountains, with its own system of lakes and rivers, and 
having no connexion whatever with the sea. Partly arid and 
sparsely inhabited, the general character of the basin is that of a 
desert, but w^ith great exceptions, there being parts of it very fit 
for the residence of a civilized people ; and of these parts, th<> 
Mormons have lately established themselves in one of the largest 
and best. The predominating features of the interior are moun- 
tains rising abruptly from narrow^ bases to heights of from two to 
five thousand feet above the level of the country, having their 
summits, for the greater part of the year, capped with snow, their 
sides wooded and grassy, and their bases, ere they meet the level, 
girt with belts of rich alluvium, while streams, varying in breadth 
from two to fifty feet, hurry down their slopes, and lose themselves, 
some in lakes, some in the loose and light alluvial belts, and some 
in the dry plains that isolate these mountains from each other. 

The Great Salt Lake — a saturated solution of common salt — 
of very irregular outline, and about seventy miles in length, and 
the Utah, a lake of fresh w^ater, are situated in this basin towards 
its eastern rim. The Salt Lake is four thousand two hundred 
feet above the level of the sea ; the Utah, about one hundred feet 
above the level of the Salt, is connected with the latter by a strait, 



528 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

or river, thirty-five miles long. Both united drain an area of ten 
or twelve thousand square miles, and have on the east, along the 
base of the mountain, the usual bench of alluvion, which extends 
to a distance of three hundred miles, with wood and water, and 
abundant grass. Along the connecting strait the Mormons have 
established themselves, where arable land for a large settlement 
abounds.* The Utah and its numerous tributaries afford large 
trout and other fish in abundance. In the Salt Lake no fish or 
animal life of any kind is found ; every evaporation from it leaves 
an incrustation of salt, and a covering like ice forms over the 
waters which its waves throw over the rocks. 

Other lakes there are within this basin, many of them deep 
and clear, and abounding in excellent fish. There are also 
several considerable rivers, the most important, perhaps, of which, 
is that named by Colonel Fremont " Humboldt,'^'* but sketched 
.sometimes on maps as "Mary's" or "Ogden's." Rising in two 
streams from the mountains west of the Great Salt Lake, and 
bearing nearly due west towards the Sierra Nevada, it presents a 
narrow valley of rich alluvion, beautifully covered with nutritious 
grasses, and is tracked through the plain by a line of willow and 
cotton-wood trees. Lying on the present line of travel to Cali- 
fornia and Oregon, furnishing a level, unobstructed way for nearly 
three hundred miles, and terminating in a marshy lake within 
fifty miles of the base of the Sierra Nevada, and opposite to the 
Salmon-Trout pass, which leads over the mountain into the valley 
of the Sacramento, some forty miles north of Nueva Helvetia, 
this river is certainly an object of interest and importance. There 
are very many other streams of various lengths, up to two hun- 

* In the spring of 1848, these settlers had three thousand acres in wheat, seven 
saw and grist-mills, seven hundred houses in a fortified enclosure of sixty acres, 
with stock and other suitable accompaniments. Intelligence from them up lo May 
of the present year, indicates continued prosperity. They have commenced the 
erection of a city on a grand scale, to include a council-house, bridges, baths, 
.schools, colleges, and all the institutions of a great metropolis. 



THE GREAT BASIN. 529 

dred miles, but similar in their general character, and all obeyinn^ 
the general law of terminating their course within the basin, in 
some one of the modes before mentioned. 

The climate of the Great Basin does not present the rigorous 
winter that might be expected from its elevation and mountainous 
structure. The summer appears to linger long, the winter to be 
open, pleasant, and clear. In fact, there is nothing in the 
climate of this great, and hitherto maligned region, to prevent 
civilized man from making it his home, and finding in its arable 
parts a comfortable subsistence. 

The words of Colonel Fremont will best and most briefly 
describe the second great division of this vast territory. " West 
of the Sierra Nevada, and between that mountain and the sea, is 
the second grand division of California (Upper), and the only 
part to which the name applies in the current language of the 
country. It is the occupied and inhabited part, and so different 
in character — so divided by the mountain wall of the Sierra from 
the Great Basin above — as to constitute a region to itself, with a 
structure and configuration — a soil, climate, and productions — 
of its own ; and as Northern Persia may be referred to as some 
type of the former, so may Italy be referred to as some point of 
comparison for the latter. East and west from the Sierra Nevada 
to the sea, it will average, in the middle parts, one hundred and 
fifty miles, in the northern parts two hundred, giving an area of 
above one hundred thousand square miles. Lateral ranges, 
parallel to the Sierra Nevada and the coast, make the structure 
of the country, and break it into a surface of valleys and moun- 
tains, the valleys a few hundred, and the mountains two to four 
thousand feet above the sea. Stretched along the mild coast of 
the Pacific, with a general elevation in its plains and valleys of 
only a few hundred feet above the level of the sea — and backed 
by the long and lofty wall of the Sierra — mildness and geniality 
may be assumed as the characteristics of its climate. The 



530 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

inhabitant of corresponding latitudes on the Atlantic side of this 
continent can with difficulty conceive of the soft air and southern 
productions under the same latitudes in the maritime region of 
Upper California. The singular beauty and purity of the sky in 
the south of this region, is characterized by Humboldt as a rare 
})henomenon, and all travellers realize the truth of his description. 
The present condition of the country affords but slight data for 
forming correct opinions of the agricultural capacity and fertility 
of the soil. At present, but little remains of the high cultivation 
which had been attained at the " Missions" (successively under 
the control of the Jesuits, the Franciscans, and Dominicans). 
Only in some places do we see the evidences of what the country 
is capable of. At San Buenaventura we found the olive-trees in 
January, bending under the weight of neglected fruit ; and the 
mission of San Luis Obispo (latitude 35°), is still distinguished 
for the excellence of its olives, considered finer and larger than 
those of the Mediterranean. The productions of the south differ 
from those of the north and the middle. Grapes, olives, Indian 
corn, have been its staples, with many assimilated fruits and 
grains. Tobacco has been recently introduced, and the uniform 
summer heat which follows the wet season, and is uninterrupted 
by rain, would make the southern country well adapted to cotton. 
Wheat is the first product of the north, where it always consti- 
tuted the principal cultivation of the missions. This promises 
to be the grain-growing region of California. The moisture of 
the coast seems particularly suited to the potato, and to tlie vege- 
tables common to the United States, which here grow to an 
extraordinary size. Perhaps few parts of the world can produce 
in such perfection so great a variety of fruits and grains, as the 
large and various region enclosing the bay of San Francisco, and 
drained by its waters. The climate of maritime California is 
greatly modified by the structure of the country, and under this 
aspect may be considered in three divisions — the southern, below 



TEMPERATURE. 531 

Point Conception and tlic Santa Barbara Mountain, about lati- 
tude 35° ; the northern, Worn Cape Mendocino, latitude 41°, to 
the Oregon boundary ; and the middle, including the bay and 
basin of San Francisco, and the coast between Point Conception 
and Cape Mendocino. Of these three divisions, the rainy season 
is longest and heaviest in the north, and lightest in the south. 
Vegetation is governed accordingly, coming with the rains, 
decaying where they fail. Summer and winter, in our sense of 
the terms, arc not applicable to this part of the country. It is 
not heat and cold, but wet and dry, which mark the seasons ; 
and the winter months, instead of killing vegetation, revive it. 
The dry season makes a period of consecutive drought, the only 
winter in the vegetation of this country, which can hardly be said 
at any time to cease. In forests, where the soil is sheltered, in 
low lands of streams, and hilly country, where the ground remains 
moist, grass continues constantly green, and flowers bloom in all the 
months of the year. In the southern half of the country, the long 
summer drought has rendered irrigation necessary, and the experi- 
ence of the missions, in their prosperous day, has shown that in 
California, as elsewhere, tlie dryest plains are made productive, and 
the heaviest crops produced by that mode of cultivation. With 
irrigation, a succession of crops may be produced throughout the 
year. Salubrity and mildness characterize the climate, there 
being no prevailing diseases, and the extremes of heat during 
the summer being checked by sea-breezes during the day, and 
by light airs from the Sierra Nevada during the night. The 
nights are generally cool and refreshing, as is the shade during 
the hottest day." 

Thus largely we have borrowed, by selection and condensation, 
from the official memoir of Colonel Fremont, whose observations 
are, almost to the letter, confirmed and corroborated, if confirma- 
tion and corroboration be deemed necessary, by all competent 
and trustworthy authorities, both of earlier and later date. And 
69 



532 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

such distinct and satisfactory evidence, as to the character and 
general capabilities of that distant region, can scarcely be omitted, 
in view of the accumulating farrago of confusion and contradic- 
tion, that forms the burden and the refrain of the ephemeral press. 

A historical and geographical memoir of the country our limits 
forbid ; nor are the materials for the latter portion of such a work 
as yet sufficiently comprehensive and ample. From the exceed- 
ingly interesting, and, under the circumstances, wonderfully 
accurate work of M. de Mofias, giving an account of the country 
in 1842; from Humboldt and Greenhow; from Sir George Simp- 
son's " Overland Journey ;" and from the notes of the exploring 
expeditions by sea and land, under Wilkes and Fremont, as well 
as from many comparatively unpretending documents from vari- 
ous adventurers, military and commercial, a large mass of in- 
formation has been accumulated. To those we must refer for 
details. 

Some notice, however brief and imperfect, will be expected 
from us, of the discovery, position, and prospects of that extra- 
ordinary mineral wealth, which during the past twelve months 
has caused feverish excitement, not only throughout our own 
dominion, and the countries adjacent, but even in Europe, and 
the islands of the Pacific, while it has roused from his torpor even 
the sluggish Asiatic. The gold mines — rather let us call them, 
in the homely, and certainly, so far as experience has yet taught, 
more appropriate term of the once Far West, the gold diggings — 
independently of all that unwholesome, and not unnatural pertur- 
bation which they have caused, arc an object of very great, though 
not, in our opinion, primary or overwhelming importance. 

The belief has long prevailed, that California teemed with 
mineral treasure ; more especially with the most insinuating and 
beloved of metals. To the Jesuit Fathers, even in the earliest 
period of their benevolent labours, the existence of this source of 
wealth was not unknown ; but, either from a belief in the insuffi- 



NUEVA HELVETIA. 533 

ciency of reward to be reaped by the time, labour, and expendi- 
ture supposed to be required — or from the desire of directing the 
main attention of their reclaimed children of the wilds to the 
more unfailing mine of steady industry, they extended no coun- 
tenance, no encouragement to the search for gold. The discovery 
then, or re-discovery of these layers of wealth, bears date in the 
early part of 1848. 

At the western base of the Sierra Nevada, betweeen it and the 
coast range, and stretching across the head of the spacious bay 
of San Francisco, lies the continuous valley of the Sacramento 
and San Joaquin rivers, which, rising at its opposite ends, and 
receiving in their course many tributaries from the mountains, 
flow towards each other, the Sacramento from the north, the San 
Joaquin from the south, meet about half-way, and send their 
united waters by a delta into the bay. This long valley, extend- 
ing some five hundred miles, is the garden of California. On 
the Sacramento is the settlement of Nueva Helvetia, founded by 
Captain Sutter, a native of Switzerland, who having held a com- 
mission in the Swiss Guards of Charles X. of France, and being 
released from that employment by the revolution of 1830, emi- 
grated first to Western Missouri, and thence, in 1838-9, to the 
country in which he has so fortunately established himself, under 
a grant from the Mexican government. By well-timed concilia- 
tion and decision, he speedily acquired over the Indians all de- 
sirable authority, and converted them into a peacable and indus- 
trious people. By their labour, with the aid of American, French, 
and German mechanics, he constructed various w'orks. Around 
him, others, allured and taught by his example, settled on the 
Rio de los Americanos, or American Fork, a tributary of the 
Sacramento, and like him prospered in their industry. For the 
protection of his settlement, he has had a large fort, mounting 
twelve cannon, and capable of containing one thousand men, but 
garrisoned by forty trained and uniformed Indians. 



534 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Ascending the south branch of the xA.merican Fork, the country 
becomes broken and mountainous, the hills rise to about one 
thousand feet above the valley, and at a distance of some fifty 
miles from his fort. Captain Sutter resolved to locate a saw-mill 
in the centre of a growth of pine. For the erection of such a 
mill he contracted with a Mr. Marshall, in September 1837. In 
the course of the winter and ensuing spring, the building was 
completed, and a dam and race constructed ; but the tail-race 
having been in the first instance found too narrow to permit the 
sufficiently rapid escape of the water, the latter was, to save 
labour, allowed to run with a strong current directly into the 
race, so as to wash it wider and deeper. This purpose effected, a 
bed of mud and gravel was carried to the foot of the race. Some 
glittering particles lying on the upper edge of this deposit at- 
tracted Mr. Marshall's attention. They were gathered, their 
value ascertained, and Captain Sutter made acquainted with the 
discovery. These gentlemen naturally wished to keep the matter 
secret, at least for a time, but it leaked out and spread with 
lightning velocity. 

The first explorers — and daily did they increase in numbers — 
were amply repaid for their labours. On the banks of the 
streams, and in the dry ravines, the precious metal was found, 
principally in particles of greater or less coarseness, mixed with 
gravel and sand from which it was easily washed. As search 
was extended, the adjoining and even more distant streams and 
ravines proved equally wealthy. In three months full four 
thousand persons were engaged in gold-hunting. In scales it 
was usually found, but sometimes lumps of extraordinary size 
startled with delight some toiling explorer, and even at this 
period from thirty to forty thousand dollars' worth of gold was 
daily obtained. 

The discovery of these vast deposits of gold, says Colonel 
Mason, in a despatch to his government, has entirely changed 



CALIFORNIA GOLD. 535 

the character of Upper California. Its people, before engaged in 
.•ultivatinir their small patches of ground, and guarding their 
herds of cattle and horses, have all gone to the mines. Labourers 
and mechanics abandoned their pursuits, traders forsook their 
stores, and sailors their vessels. Even from the garrisons soldiers 
deserted, unable to resist the strong temptation. In all quarters of 
the states the news of the discovery and the success attendant 
on adventure, summoned forth thousands, ready to forsake home 
and all its allurements to try their fortunes in the mines. The 
influx of new comers lessened not the wealth of any; ample room 
for all was found, and each day but showed that almost limitless 
along the Sierra, was the extent of the region of gold. 

On the 8th of December, 1848, the first deposit of gold from 
California was received at the U. S. Mint in Philadelphia. It had 
been brought by Mr. David Garter, from San Francisco, over the 
isthmus, and weighed 1804.59 ounces Troy. On the 9th another 
deposit was made of 228 ounces. The gold was of two sorts in 
external character, though apparently not differing in quality. 
That from the dry diggings was in grains, averaging from one to 
two penny- weights ; that from the swamps or margins of the 
streams in spangles of much smaller bulk. Assays of this gold, 
when melted, showed an average fineness of 894, being thus 
slightly below the standard fineness, which is 900. The average 
value per ounce of the bullion, before melting, is stated at $18.05^; 
in bars, after melting, $18.50. Further assays by various pro- 
fessional persons, have ascertained that the California gold is in 
fineness fully equal to any found on this continent, and within 
half a carat of the quality of English and American standard coin. 
The history of these mines, during the last few months, we 
cannot venture to trace. Ship after ship from the American 
ports has borne away expectant hundreds, and many hundreds 
more have sought the distant treasure-ground by land. The latest 
intelligence more than confirms early accounts. Marvellous as 



536 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

were deemed the stories respecting the abundance of the metal, 
they have been found to fall far short of the reality. New dis- 
coveries have almost daily enlarged the region in which gold is 
found ; and the most substantial evidence of the riches of the 
region, is supplied in the arrival at various ports in the States, of 
vessels bearing large consignments of the metal. The " Crescent 
City^'' steamer reached New Orleans on the 11th of June, with 
dust on board to the amount of one million of dollars. 

During the winter, gold-washing had been carried on with 
varied success. At the dry diggings snow fell to the depth of 
three feet, and remained on the ground several days after each 
storm. Little gold was procured. At Culloma, however, or the 
saw-mill, w^here first the gold was discovered, the season was 
uniformly gentle, and the labours of the persevering explorer 
attended with partial success. On the Middle Fork, the average 
return was about two ounces per day to each man, but high water 
retarded the work, and was likely so to do until the end of May. 

Fair success, with a like average, rewarded operations on the 
Yuba. The same may generally be said of Feather River, Bear 
Creek, Dry Creek, Mohelumne and Cosumne rivers. But the great 
attraction has been the Stanislaus, whose w^aters are said to wash 
out the beautiful ore in size and quantity unequalled. The borders 
of this stream form an inexhaustibly rich portion of the placer. 

The abundance of the gold, and the facility with which it is 
accumulated, very naturally have had the effect of raising the 
price of labour enormously. One hundred dollars a month fail 
to induce the services of ordinary seamen, and numbers of ships 
in the bay are deserted by their crews. The town of San Fran- 
cisco is crowded with constantly arriving immigrants, and about 
the beginning of May, it was calculated some eight thousand per- 
sons were at work in the various mines. In the town, accommo- 
dations of any kind could be procured only at enormous rents. 
Good provisions were equally scarce and dear. Other prices may 



CALIFORNIA GOLD. 537 

be inferred from that of board, which stood, exclusive of lodging, 
at $20 per week. Dates from San Francisco to the 18th of May, 
in the main corroborated the previously received intelligence, and 
represent the tide of immigration as unceasing and undiminished. 
"In a few days," says the " Alta California," a newspaper pub- 
lished at San Francisco, " this place will resume its wonted busi- 
ness bustle, when rare times are anticipated. We will have but 
little rain from this time until the setting in of another winter, A 
cloudless sky is above us, verdant plains and woodlands stretch 
for leagues away in the distance ; but, in the interval of another 
year, what changes shall be rung in the beautiful valley before us ! 
The flood-gate to fortune is opened w'ith the balmy breath of 
spring, but in the resistless torrent pouring in, how great must 
be the sacrifice of health ; how many shall ' by the way-side fall 
and perish' in the struggle for wealth — many, very many who are 
now setting out strong in hope and heart, and buoyant in youth's 
full vigour!" 

Hitherto all coiners, foreigners from every clime, as well as 
American citizens and inliabitants of the Californias, have parti- 
cipated without hindrance in the abundant wealth of this region, 
nor does any effort seem as yet to have been made to assert the 
undoubted rights of the nation over the soil purchased by national 
blood and treasure. At length the American citizens in the coun- 
try begin to murmur, and question the right of those foreign intru- 
ders, for such, under every aspect of international law^, they must 
be considered. It is hoped that a grievance so manifest and so 
detrimental to the interests and just rights of our citizens, will 
speedily be removed ; and that, as a next step, means will be 
adopted of securing to the nation at large some benefits, at least, 
from that which is national property alone. 

A few words on the advantages of the maritime region, before 
this chapter is brought to a close. From the time of its earliest 
discovery until the present, the bay of San Francisco has been 



^38 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

considered one of the finest in the world, and is fully entitled to 
that high character, viewed even only as a harbour. To this fact 
all visiters of all nations have borne unanimous testimony. But 
far beyond its value as a mere harbour, is its geographical posi- 
tion in relation to the commercial and political interests of the 
United States, and not only of the States, but of also the opposite 
extremes of the old world. The other harbours are, proceeding 
southwardly, Monterey, Santa Barbara, San Pedro, and San Diego. 
All these are of secondary importance. San Diego is, next to 
San Francisco, the safest and best in the province, being land- 
locked, with deep water and a good bottom. Thus, at its oppo- 
site extremities. Upper California possesses two of the best ports 
on the Pacific, while each of them is greatly enhanced in value 
by the distance of any other harbour worthy of the name, San 
Francisco being nearly a thousand miles from Port Discovery, to 
the north, and San Diego, nearly six hundred miles from the Bay 
of Magdalena, to the south. Add to these commanding advan- 
tages the fertility of the large district west of the Sierra Nevada, 
the mildness and salubrity of the climate, the vast resources for 
ship timber, grain, and cattle, and we can the better appreciate 
tlie admiring language of Sir George Simpson, in his " Overland 
Jouniey,^^ "What a splendid country, w'hether we regard its 
internal resources or its commercial capabilities !" 

But thoughts here arise, on which we must not now permit 
ourselves to dwell. A future of almost overwhelming interest is 
before the nation, which now grasps the two great world oceans, 
and invites Asia and Europe to meet and draw closer together the 
ties of common humanity on her mediating soil. Through her 
broad dominions the wealth of Asia and the civilization of Europe 
pass one another, to leave their riches deposits on the way ; and 
to both she is called on to become the exemplar and the guide in 
the higher civilization that awaits the species — in the moral and 
social progress that is to bring with it the happiness of mankind. 



CONSEQUENCES OF THE WAR. 539 

"Whether the sudden and immense influx of the precious metal.? 
from the new territory will enervate or strengthen the North 
American Republic, time alone can determine. Too often is it 
found inimical to national virtue ; and it may well be doubted, 
whether the eager search for gold by a promiscuous crowd of 
unsteady adveriturers, will not be hostile to the industry, frugality, 
and virtue, for which, as a nation, we are proverbial. At present 
the fear and the hope are so intimately intermingled, that the sin- 
cere patriot trembles while he glows. One advantage from the 
discovery will necessarily arise — the rapid settlement of the newly- 
acquired territory. 

In another point of view the war with Mexico has been pro- 
ductive of the most beneficial consequences. It has given our 
country a prominent rank among the nations of the earth. It 
has displayed to the eyes of doubting monarchists the existence 
of a majestic power and energy, a youthful freshness of spirit 
combined with a manly vigour, which are well calculated to insure 
prolonged peace, by the respect which her ability has inspired, 
and the admiration which has been elicited by the heroic conduct 
of her sons. The United States has not merely shown her ability 
for defensive war, but has successfully solved the problem of the 
capacity of a republic to engage in a foreign war. She has 
demonstrated that, without the expense of a standing army, she 
can at any time bring into the field a force of one hundred 
thousand men drawn from the body of the people, able to endure 
fatigue, surmount obstacles, and achieve victories, under circum- 
stances which would have broken the spirits, and quelled the 
courage, even of troops inured to war. 

The consequences of the Mexican war must necessarily be 
favourable to the inhabitants of the territory ceded to the United 
States. Under a fixed and stable form of government, relieved 
from former exactions, with ample guaranties for tlie protection 
of person and property, they will have additional inducements 
70 



540 HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

to industry and enterprise, and by the example of their northern 
neighbours, who may settle among them, will be stimulated to 
generous exertions, which will raise them from their present 
ignorance and degradation, to all the blessings of rational liberty 
and a higher civilization. 

Mexico herself, being brought into more immediate connexion 
with the republic of the United States, and enjoying a freer inter- 
course with its citizens, will participate in these advantages. 
Enervated by dependence on her mines, long distracted by 
internal dissensions, and a prey to the intrigues of military des- 
pots, she will at length rise to an appreciation of real liberty, 
learn that her true policy is industry and peace, and, beating her 
" swords into ploughshares, and her spears into pruning-hooks," 
find her chief wealth and happiness in peaceful, health-inspiring 
toil. Relieved from the exorbitant exactions of her military and 
priesthood, her expenditures will be diminished, while increased 
attention to agriculture and manufactures will develop and aug- 
ment her resources ; and institutions of learning, after the manner 
of those of her northern sister, difTuse knowedge and virtue 
among her ignorant and half-civilized multitudes. 

Nor is this all. The light of liberty and civilization, from 
where our flag is now planted on the shores of the Pacific, will 
illumine not only the adjacent countries, but the far-off islands 
of the watery waste. From the bay of San Francisco, our 
white- winged ships will visit the shores of Asia and Africa, 
and each green isle that gems the Southern Ocean, freighted 
for their heathen inhabitants not merely with perishable mer- 
chandise, but the " true riches," civilization, and the know- 
ledge of the one God, causing the " isles to be glad," and the 
" desert to smile and blossom as the rose." 



APTENDIX. 



TREATY 

Of Peace, Friendship, Limits, and Settlement, between the United States of 
America, and the Mexican Republic, concluded at Guadalupe Hidalgo, on 
the Second Day of February, ivith Amendments by the American Senate, 
March lOth, 1848, and by the Mexican Senate, May 25th, 1848. 

THE TREATY. 

In the name of Almighty God : 

The United States of America and the United Mexican States, 
animated by a sincere desire to put an end to the calamities of the 
war which unhappily exists between the two republics, and to establish 
on a solid basis relations of peace and friendship, which shall confer 
reciprocal benefits on the citizens of both, and assure the concord, 
harmony, and mutual confidence wherein the two people should live 
as good neighbours, have, for that purpose, appointed their respective 
plenipotentiaries ; that is to say, the President of the United States 
has appointed N. P. Trist, a citizen of the United States, and the 
President of the Mexican republic has appointed Don Luis Gonzaga 
Cuevas, Don Bernardo Conto, and Don Miguel Atristain, citizens of 
the said republic, who, after a reciprocal communication of their 
respective powers, have, under the protection of Almighty God, the 
author of peace, arranged, agreed upon, and signed the following 
treaty of peace, friendship, limits, and settlement, between the United 
States of America and the Mexican republic. 

Art. I. — There shall be a firm and universal peace between the 
United States of America and the Mexican republic, and between their 

541 



542 APPENDIX. 

respective countries, territories, cities, towns, and people, without 
exception of places or persons. 

Art, II, — Immediately on the signature of this treaty, a convention 
siiall be entered into between a commissioner or commissioners 
appointed by the general-in-chief of the forces of the United States, 
and such as may be appointed by the Mexican government, to the 
end that a provisional suspension of hostilities shall take place; and 
that in the places occupied by the said forces, constitutional order 
may be re-established, as regards the political, administrative, and 
judicial branches, so far as this shall be pei'mitted by the circumstances 
of military occupation. 

Art. Ill, — Immediately upon the ratification of the present treaty 
by the government of the United States, orders shall be transmitted to 
the commanders of their land and naval forces, requiring the latter 
(provided this treaty shall then have been ratified by the government 
of the Mexican republic) immediately to desist from blockading any 
Mexican ports ; and requiring the former (under the same condition) 
to commence, at the earliest moment practicable, withdrawing all 
troops of the United States then in the interior of the Mexican republic, 
to points that shall be selected by common agreement, at a distance 
from the sea-ports not exceeding thirty leagues; and such evacuation 
of the interior of the republic shall be completed with the least possible 
delay : the Mexican government hereby binding itself to afford every 
facility in its power for rendering the same convenient to the troops, 
on their march, and in their new positions, and for promoting a good 
understanding between them and the inhabitants. In like manner, 
orders shall be despatched to the persons in charge of the custom- 
houses at all ports occupied by the forces of the United States, requir- 
ing them (under the same condition) immediately to deliver possession 
of the same to the persons authorized by the Mexican government to 
receive it, together with all bonds and evidences of debt for duties on 
importations and on exportations, not yet fallen due. Moreover, a 
faithful and exact account shall be made out, showing the entire 
amount of all duties on imports and on exports, collected at such 
custom-houses, or elsewhere in Mexico, by authority of the United 
States, from and after the day of the ratification of this treaty by the 
government of the Mexican republic ; and also an account of the 
»:ost of collection ; and such entire amount, deducting only the cost 
of collection, shall be delivered to the Mexican government, at the 



APPENDIX. 543 

city of Mexico, witliin three months after the exchange of ratifica- 
tions. 

The evacuation of the capital of the Mexican republic by the troops 
of the United States, in virtue of the above stipulation, shall be com- 
pleted in one month after the orders there stipulated lor shall have 
been received by the commander of said troops, or sooner if possible. 

Art. IV. — Immediately after the exchange of ratifications of the 
present treaty, all castles, forts, territories, places and possessions, 
which have been taken and occupied by the forces of the United 
States during the present war, within the limits of the Mexican 
republic, as about to be established by the following article, shall be 
definitely restored to the said republic, together with all the artillery, 
arms, apparatus of war, munitions, and other public property, which 
were in the said castles and forts when captured, and which shall 
remain there at the time when this treaty shall be duly ratified by the 
government of the Mexican republic. To this end, immediately upon 
the signature of this treaty, orders shall be despatched to the American 
officers commanding such castles and ports, securing against the 
removal or destruction of any such artillery, arms, apparatus of war, 
munitions, or other public property. The city of Mexico, within the 
inner line of intrcnchments, surrounding the said city, is comprehended 
in the above stipulations, as regards the restoration of artillery, 
apparatus of war, &c. 

The final evacuation of the territory of the Mexican republic by the 
Ibrces of the United States, shall be completed in three months from 
the said exchange of ratifications, or sooner if possible : the Mexican 
republic hereby engaging, as in the foregoing article, to use all means 
in its power for facilitating such evacuation, and rendering it convenient 
to the troops, and for promoting a good understanding between them 
and the inhabitants. 

If, however, the ratification of this treaty by both parties should 
not take place in time to allow the embarkation of the troops of th(! 
United States to be completed before the commencement of the sickly 
season, at the Mexican ports on the Gulf of l\Iexico, in such case a 
friendly arrangement shall be entered into between the gencral-iii- 
chief of the said troops and the Mexican government, whereby healthy 
and otherwise suitable places, at a distance from the ports not exceed- 
ing thirty leagues, shall be designated for the residence of such troops 
as may not yet have embarked, until the return of the healthy season. 



544 APPENDIX. 

And the space of time here referred to as comprehending the sickly 
season, shall be understood to extend from the first day of May to the 
first day of November. 

All prisoners of war taken on either side, on land or on sea, shall 
be restored as soon as practicable after the exchange of the ratifica- 
tions of this treaty. It is also agreed that if any Mexicans should 
now be held as captives by any savage tribe within the limits of the 
United States, as about to be established by the following article, the 
government of the said United States will exact the i*clease of such 
captives, and cause them to be restored to their country. 

Art. V. — The boundary line between the two republics shall com- 
mence in the Gulf of Mexico, three leagues from land, opposite the 
mouth of the Rio Grande, otherwise called Rio Bravo del Norte, or 
opposite the mouth of its deepest branch, if it should have more than 
one branch emptying directly into the sea ; from thence up the middle 
of that river, following the deepest channel, where it has more than 
one, to the point where it strikes the southern boundary of New 
Mexico ; thence, westwardly, along the whole southern boundary of 
New Mexico (which runs north of the town called Paso) to its western 
termination ; thence northward along the western line of New Mexico, 
until it intersects the first branch of the river Gila ; (or if it should 
not intersect any branch of that river, then to the point on the said 
line neai-est to such branch, and thence in a direct line to the same ;) 
thence down the middle of the said branch and of the said river, until 
it empties into the Rio Colorado ; thence across the Rio Colorado, 
following the division line between Upper and Lower California, to the 
Pacific Ocean. 

The southern and western limits of New Mexico, mentioned in this 
article, are those laid down in the map, entitled " Map of Lhe United 
Mexican States, as organized and defined hy various acts of the 
Congress of said republic, and constructed according to the best 
anthorities. Revised edition. Published at Neiv York, in 1847, by 
J. Disturneliy Of which map a copy is added to this treaty, bear- 
ing the signatures and seals of the undersigned plenipotentiaries. And 
in order to preclude all difiiculty in tracing upon the ground the limit 
separating Upper from Lower California, it is agreed that the said 
limit shall consist of a straight line, drawn from the middle of the 
Rio Gila, where it unites with the Colorado, to a point on the coast 
of the Pacific Ocean — distant one marine league due south of the 



APPENDIX. 545 

southernmost point of the port of San Diego, according to the plan of 
said port, made in the year 1782, by Don Juan Pantojcr, second 
sailing-master of the Spanish fleet, and published at Madrid in the 
year 1802, in the atlas to the voyage of the schooners Sutll and 
Mexicana, of which plan a copy is hereunto added, signed and sealed 
by the respective plenipotentiaries. 

\n order to designate the boundary line with due precision, upon 
authoritative maps, and to establish on the ground landmarks which 
shall show the limits of both republics, as described in the present 
article, the two governments shall each appoint a commissioner and a 
surveyor, who, before the exj)iration of one year from the date of the 
exchange of ratifications of this treaty, shall meet at the port of San 
Diego, and proceed to rim and mark the said boundary in its whole 
course to the mouth of the Rio I>ravo del Norte. They shall keep 
journals and make out plans of their operations : and the result agreed 
upon by them, shall be deemed a part of this treaty, and shall have 
the same force as if it were inserted therein. The two governments 
will amicably agree regarding what may be necessary to these 
persons, and also as to their respective escorts, should such be 
necessary. 

The boundary line established by this article shall be religiously 
respected by each of the two republics, and no change shall ever be 
made therein, except by the express and free consent of both nations, 
lawfully given by the general government of each, in conformity witli 
its own constitution. 

Art. VI. — The vessels and citizens of the United States shall, in 
all time, have a free and uninterrupted passage by the Gulf of Cali- 
fornia, and by the river Colorado, below its confluence with the Gila, 
to and from their possessions situated north of the boundary line 
defined in the preceding article ; it being understood that this passage 
is to be by navigating the Gulf of California, and the river Colorado ; 
and not by land, without the express consent of the Mexican govern- 
ment. 

If, by the examinations that may be made, it should be ascertained 
to be practicable and advantageous to construct a road, canal, or rail- 
way, which should, in whole or in part, run upon the river Gila, or 
upon its right or its left bank, within the space of one marine league 
from either margin of the river, the governments of both republics will 



546 APPENDIX. 

form an agreement regarding its construction, in order that it may 
serve equally for the use and advantage of both countries. 

Art. VII. — The river Gila, and the part of the Del Norte lying 
below the southern boundary of New Mexico, being, agreeably to the 
fifth article, divided in the middle between the two republics, the navi- 
gation of the Gila and of the Bravo, below said boundary, shall be 
free and common to . the vessels and citizens of both countries ; and 
neither shall, without the consent of the other, construct any work 
that may impede or interrupt, in whole or in part, the exercise of this 
right — not even for the purpose of favouring new methods of naviga- 
tion. Nor shall any tax or contribution, under any denomination or 
title, be levied upon vessels, or persons navigating the same, or upon 
merchandise, or effects, transported thereon, except in the case of 
landing upon one of their shores. If, for the purpose of making the 
said rivers navigable, or for maintaining them in such state, it should 
be necessary or advantageous to establish any tax or contribution, this 
shall not be done without the consent of both governments. 

The stipulations contained in the present article shall not impair 
the territorial rights of either republic, within its established limits. 

Art. VIII. — Mexicans now established in territories previously 
belonging to Mexico, and which remain, for the future, within the 
limits of the United States, as defined by the present treaty, shall be 
free to continue where they now reside, or to remove, at any time, 
to the Mexican republic, retaining the property which they possess in 
the said territories, or disposing thereof, and removing the proceeds 
wherever they please, without their being subjected, on this account, 
to any contribution, or tax, or charge, whatever. 

Those who shall prefer to remain in said territories, may either 
retain the title and rights of Mexican citizens, or acquire those of 
citizens of the United States. But they shall be under the obligation 
to make their selection within one year from the date of the exchange 
of ratifications of this treaty ; and those who shall remain in the said 
territories, after the expiration of that year, without having declared 
their intention to retain the character of Mexicans, shall be considered 
to have elected to become citizens of the United States. 

In the said territories, property of every kind, now belonging to 
Mexicans not established there, shall be inviolably respected. The 
present owners, the heirs of these, and all Mexicans who may here- 
after acquire said property by contract, shall enjoy, with respect to 



APPENDIX. 547 

It, guaranties equally ample as if the same belonged to citizens of the 
United States. 

Art. IX. — The Mexicans who, in the territories aforesaid, shall 
not preserve the character of citizens of the Mexican republic, con- 
formably with what is stipulated in the preceding article, shall be incor- 
porated into the union of the United States, and admitted as soon as 
possible, according to the principles of the federal constitution, to the 
enjoyment of all the rights of citizens of the United States. In the 
mean time, they shall be maintained and protected in the enjoyment 
of their liberty, their property, and the civil rights now vested in them 
according to the Mexican laws. With respect to political rights, their 
condition shall be on an equality with that of the inhabitants of the 
other territories of the United States, and at least equally good as 
that of the inhabitants of Louisiana and the Floridas, when these pro- 
vinces, by transfer from the French republic and the crown of Spain, 
became territories of the United States. 

The same most ample guaranty shall be enjoyed by all ecclesiastics 
and religious corporations or communities, as well in the discharge of 
the offices of their ministry as in the enjoyment of their property of 
every kind, whether individual or corporate. This guaranty shall 
embrace all temples, houses, and edifices dedicated to the Roman 
Catholic worship, as well as all property destined to its support, or to 
that of schools, hospitals, and other foundations for charitable or bene- 
ficent purposes. No property of this nature shall be considered as 
havino- become the property of the American government, or as sub- 
ject to be by it disposed of, or diverted to other uses. 

Finally, the relations and communication between the Catholics 
living in the territories aforesaid, and their respective ecclesiastical 
authorities, shall be open, free, and exempt from all hindrance what- 
ever, even although such authorities should reside within the limits of 
the Mexican republic, as defined by this treaty ; and this freedom 
shall continue, so long as a new demarkation of ecclesiastical districts 
shall not have been made, conformably with the laws of the Roman 
Catholic church. 

[Article IX. was expunged, and in its stead the Senate adopted 
and inserted substantially the third article of the treaty with France, 
of 1803, for the cession of Louisiana, to the efiect that inha- 
bitants of the ceded territory shall be incorporated in the Union 
of the United States, and admitted as soon as Congress shall deter- 
71 



548 APPENDIX. 

mine, accordijig to the 2^nncij)les of the federal constitution., to the 
enjoyment of all the rights, advantages, and imm.unities of citizens 
oftJie United States ; and in tlie mean time, they shall be maintained 
and protected in the full enjoyment of their liberty, property, and the 
religion which they profess.'] 

Art. X. — All grants of land made by the Mexican government, or 
by the competent authorities, in territories previously appertaining to 
Mexico, and remaining for the future within the limits of the United 
States, shall be respected as valid, to the same extent that the same 
grants would be valid if the said territories had remained within the 
limits of Mexico. But the grantees of lands in Texas, put in posses- 
sion thereof, who, by reason of the circumstances of the country, 
since the beginning of the troubles between Texas and the Mexican 
government, may have been prevented from fulfilling all the condi- 
tions of their grants, shall be under the obligation to fulfil the said 
conditions within the periods limited in the same, respectively ; such 
periods to be now counted from the date of the exchange of ratifica- 
tions of this treaty ; in default of which, the said grants shall not be 
obligatory upon the State of Texas, in virtue of the stipulations con- 
tained in this article. 

The foregoing stipulation in regard to grantees of land in Texas 
is extented to all grantees of land in the territories aforesaid, elsewhere 
than in Texas, put in possession under such grants ; and, in default 
of the fulfilment of the conditions of any such grant, within the new 
period, which, as is above stipulated, begins with the day of the ex- 
change of ratifications of this treaty, the same shall be null and void. 

The Mexican government declares that no grant whatever of lands 
in Texas has been made since the second day of March, one thousand 
eight hundred and thirty-six ; and that no grant whatever of lands, in 
any of the territories aforesaid, has been made since the thirteenth day 
of May, one thousand eight hundred and forty-six. 

[The above article was expunged by the Senate.] 

Art. XI. — Considering that a great part of the territories which, 
by the present treaty, are to be comprehended for the future within 
the limits of the United States, is now occupied by savage tribes who 
will hereafter be under the control of the government of the United 
States, and whose incursions within the territory of Mexico would be 
prejudicial in the extreme, it is solemnly agreed that all such incursions 
shall bo forcibly restrained by the government of the United States, 



APPENDIX. 549 

whensoever this may be necessary ; and that when they cannot be 
prevented, they shall be punished by the said government, and satis- 
faction for the same shall be exacted — all in the same way, and with 
equal diligence and energy, as if the same incui-sions were committed 
within its own teri'itory, against its own citizens. 

It shall not be lawful, under any pretext whatever, for any inhabit- 
ant of the United States to purchase or acquire any Mexican, or any 
foreigner residing in Mexico, who may have been captured by Indians 
inliabiting the territory of either of the two republics, nor to purchase 
or acquire horses, mules, cattle, or property of any kind, stolen within 
Mexican territory by such Indians : nor to provide such Indians with 
fire-arms or ammunition, by sale or otherwise. 

And in the event of any person or persons captured within Mexican 
territory by Indians, being carried into the territory of the United 
States, the government of the latter engages and binds itself in the 
most solemn manner, so soon as it shall know of such captives being 
within its territory, and shall be able to do so, through the faithful 
exercise of its influence and power, to rescue them and return them to 
their country, or deliver them to the agent or representative of the 
Mexican government. The Mexican authorities will, as far as prac- 
ticable, give to the government of the United States notice of such 
captures ; and its agents shall pay the expenses incurred in the main- 
tenance and transmission of the rescued captives ; who, in the mean 
time, shall be treated with the utmost hospitality by the American 
authorities at the place where they may be. But if the government 
of the United States, before receiving such notice from Mexico, should 
obtain intelligence, through any other channel, of the existence of 
Mexican captives within its territory, it will proceed forthwith to 
effect their release and delivery to the Mexican agent, as above 
stipulated. 

For the purpose of giving to these stipulations the fullest possible 
efficacy, thereby affording the security and redress demanded by 
their true spirit and intent, the government of the United States will 
now and hereafter pass, without unnecessary delay, and always 
vigilantly enforce, such laws as the nature of the subject may require. 
And finally, the sacredness of this obligation shall never be lost sight 
of by the said government when providing for the removal of Indians 
from any portion of said territories, or for its being settled by the 
citizens of the United States ; but, on the contrary, special care then 



550 APPENDIX. 

shall be taken not to place its Indian occupants under the necessity 
of seeking new homes, by committing those invasions which the 
United States have solemnly obliged themselves to restrain. 

Art. XII. — In consideration of the extension acquired by the 
boundaries of the United States, as defined in the fifth article of the 
present treaty, the government of the United States engages to pay to 
that of the Mexican republic the sum of fifteen millions of dollars, in 
the one or the other of the two modes below specified. The Mexican 
government shall, at the time of ratifying this treaty, declare which 
of these two modes of payment it prefers ; and the mode so elected by 
it shall be conformed to by that of the United States. 

First mode of payment: Immediately after this treaty shall have 
been duly ratified by the government of the Mexican republic, the 
sum of three millions of dollars shall be paid to the said government 
by that of the United States, at the city of Mexico, in the gold or 
silver coin of Mexico. For the remaining twelve millions of dollars, 
the United States shall create a stock, bearing an interest of six per 
centum per annum, commencing on the day of the ratification of this 
treaty by the government of the Mexican republic, and payable annually 
at the city of Washington ; the principal of said stock to be re- 
deemable there, at the pleasure of the government of the United 
States, at any time after two years from the exchange of ratifications 
of this treaty ; six months' public notice of the intention to redeem 
the same being previously given. Certificates of such stock, in pro- 
per form, for such sums as shall be specified by the Mexican govern- 
ment, and transferable by the said government, shall be delivered to 
the same by that of the United States. 

Second mode of payment : Immediately after this treaty shall have 
been duly ratified by the government of the Mexican republic, the 
sum of three millions of dollars shall be paid to the said government by 
that of the United States, at the city of Mexico, in the gold or silver coin 
of Mexico. The remaining twelve millions of dollars shall be paid at the 
same place, and in the same coin, in annual instalments of three millions 
of dollars each, together with interest on the same at the rate of six per 
centum per annum. This interest shall begin to run upon the whole 
sum of twelve millions from the day of the ratification of the present 
treaty by the Mexican government, and the first of the instalments shall 
be paid at the expiration of one year from the same day. Together with 
each annual instalment, as it falls due, the whole interest accruing on 



APPENDIX. 551 

such instalment from the beginning sliall also be paid. Certificates 
in proper form, for the said instalments, respectively, in such sums as 
shall bo desired by the Mexican government, and transferable by it, 
shall be delivered to the said government by that of the United States. 

[The second mode of payment was accepted by the Mexican govern- 
ment.] 

Art. XIII. — The United States engage, moreover, to assume and 
pay to the claimants all the amounts now due them, and those here- 
after to become due, by reason of the claims already liquidated and 
decided against the Mexican republic, under the conventions between 
the two republics severally concluded on the 11th day of April, 
eighteen hundred and thirty-nine, and on the 30th day of January, 
eighteen hundred and forty-three ; so that the Mexican republic shall 
be absolutely exempt for the future, from all expense whatever on 
account of the said claims. 

Art. XIV. — The United States do furthermore discharge the 
Mexican republic from all claims of citizens of the United States, not 
heretofore decided against the Mexican government, which may have 
arisen previously to the date of the signature of this treaty ; which 
discharge shall be final and perpetual, whether the said claims be 
rejected or be allowed by the board of commissioners provided for in 
the following article, and whatever shall be the total amount of those 
allowed. 

Art. XV. — The United States, exonerating Mexico from all demands 
on account of the claims of their citizens mentioned in the preceding 
article, and considering them entirely and for ever cancelled, what- 
ever their amount may be, undertake to make satisfaction for the 
same, to an amount not exceeding three and one quarter millions of 
dollars. To ascertain the validity and amount of those claims, a board 
of commissioners shall be established by the government of the 
United States, whose awards shall be final and conclusive ; provided, 
that in deciding upon the validity of each claim, the board shall be 
guided and governed by the principles and rules of decision prescribed 
by the first and fifth articles of the unratified convention, concluded at 
the city of Mexico on the twentieth day of November, one thousand 
eight hundred and forty-three ; and in no case shall an award bo 
made in favour of any claim not embraced by these principles and 
rules. 

If, in the opinion of the said board of commissioners, or of the 



552 APPENDIX. 

claimants, any books, records, or documents in the possession or 
power of tlie government of the Mexican repubhc, shall be deemed 
necessary to the just decision of any claim, the commissioners, or 
the claimants through them, shall within such period as Congress may 
designate, make an application in writing for the same, addressed to 
the Mexican minister for foreign affairs, to be transmitted by the 
secretary of state of the United States ; and the Mexican government 
engages, at the earliest possible moment after the receipt of such 
demand, to cause any of the books, records, or documents, so 
specified, which shall be in their possession or power (or authenticated 
copies or extracts of the same) to be transmitted to the said secretary 
of state, who shall immediately deliver them over to the said board of 
commissioners ; Provided, that no such application shall be made by, 
or at the instance of, any claimant, until the facts which it is expected 
to prove by such books, records, or documents, shall have been stated 
under oath or affirmation. 

Art. XVI. — Each of the contracting parties reserves to itself the 
entire right to fortify whatever point within its territory it may judge 
proper so to fortify, for its security. 

Art. XVII. — The treaty of amity, commerce and navigation, con- 
cluded at the city of Mexico on the 5th day of April, A. D. 1831, 
between the United States of America and the United Mexican States, 
except the additional article, and except so far as the stipulations of 
the said treaty may not be incompatible with any stipulation contained 
in the present treaty, is hereby revived for the period of eight years 
from the day of the exchange of ratifications of this treaty, with the 
same force and virtue as if incorporated therein; it being understood 
that each of the contracting parties reserves to itself the right, at any 
lime after the said period of eight years shall have expired, to terminate 
the same by giving one year's notice of such intention to the other 
party. 

Art. XVIII. — All supplies whatever for troops of the United States 
in Mexico, arriving at ports in the occupation of such troops previous 
to the final evacuation thereof, although subsequently to the restora- 
tion of the custom-houses at such ports, shall be entirely exempt from 
duties and charges of any kind ; the government of the United States 
hereby engaging and pledging its faith to establish, and vigilantly to 
enforce, all possible guards for securing the revenue of Mexico, by 
preventing the importation, under cover of this stipulation, of any 



APPENDIX. 553 

articles other than such, both in kind and in quaUty, as shall really 
be wanted for the use and consumption of the forces of the United 
States during the time they may remain in Mexico. To this end, it 
shall be the duty of all officers and agents of the United States to 
denounce to the Mexican authorities at the respective ports any 
attempts at a fraudulent abuse of this stipulation which they may know 
of or may have reason to suspect, and to give to such authorities all 
the aid in their power with regard thereto ; and every such attempt, 
when duly proved and established by sentence of a competent tribunal, 
shall be punished by the confiscation of the property so attempted to 
be fraudulently introduced. 

Art. XIX.— With respect to all merchandise, effects, and property 
whatsoever, imported into ports of Mexico whilst in the occupation of 
the forces of the United States, whether by citizens of either republic, 
or by citizens or subjects of any neutral nation, the following rules 
shall bo observed : 

1 . All such merchandise, effects, and property, if imported previously 
to the restoration of the custom-houses to the Mexican authorities, as 
stipulated for in the third article of this treaty, shall be exempt from 
confiscation, although the importation of the same be prohibited by 
the Mexican tariff. 

2. The same perfect exemption shall be enjoyed by all such 
merchandise, effects, and property, imported subsequently to the resto- 
ration of the custom-houses, and previously to the sixty days fixed in 
the following article for the coming into force of the Mexican tarilF, 
at such ports respectively ; the said merchandise, effects, and property 
being, however, at the time of their importation, subject to the pay- 
ment of duties, as provided for in the said following article. 

3. All merchandise, effects, and property described in the two rules 
tbrcgoing shall, during their continuance at the place of importation, 
or upon their leaving such place for the interior, be exempt from all 
duty, tax, or impost of every kind, under whatsoever title or denomi- 
nation. Nor shall they be there subjected to any charge whatsoever 
upon the sale thereof. 

4. All merchandise, effects, and property, described in the first and 
second rules, which shall have been removed to any place in the 
Ulterior whilst such place was in the occupation of the forces of tho 
Cnitod States, shall, during their contiinianco therein, be exempt from 



554 APPENDIX. 

all tax upon the sale or consumption thereof, and from every kind of 
impost or contribution, under whatsoever title or denomination, 

5. But if any merchandise, effects, or property, described in the 
first and second rules, shall be removed to any place not occupied at 
the time by the forces of the United States, they shall, upon their 
introduction into such place, or upon their sale or consumption there, 
be subject to the same duties which, under the Mexican laws, they 
would be required to pay in such cases if they had been imported in 
time of peace, through the maritime custom-houses, and had there paid 
the duties conformably with the Mexican tariff. 

6. The owners of all merchandise, effects, or property described in 
the first and second rules, and existing in any port of Mexico, shall 
have the right to reship the same, exempt from all tax, impost, or con- 
tribution whatever. 

With respect to the metals, or other property, exported from any 
Mexican port whilst in the occupation of the forces of the United 
States, and previously to the restoration of the custom-house at such 
port, no person shall be required by the Mexican authorities, whether 
general or state, to pay any tax, duty, or contribution upon any such 
exportation, or in any manner to account for the same to the said 
authorities. 

Art. XX. — Through consideration for the interests of commerce 
generally, it is agreed, that if less than sixty days should elapse 
between the date of the signature of this treaty and the restoration of 
the custom-houses, conformably with the stipulation in the third article, 
in such case all merchandise, effects, and property whatsoever, arriv- 
ing at the Mexican ports after the restoration of the said custom- 
houses, and previously to the expiration of sixty days after the day 
of the signature of this treaty, shall be admitted to entry ; and no 
other duties shall be levied thereon than the duties established by the 
tariff found in force at such custom-houses at the time of the restora- 
tion of the same. And to all such merchandise, effects, and property, 
the rules established by the preceding article shall apply. 

Art. XXI. — If, unhappily, any disagreement should hereafter arise 
between the governments of the two republics, whether with respect 
to the interpretation of any stipulation in this treaty, or with respect 
to any other particular concerning the political or commercial relations 
of the two nations, the said governments, in the name of those nations, 
do promise to each other that they will endeavour, in the most sincere 



APPENDIX. 555 

^nd earnest manner, to settle the difTercnces so arising, and to 
preserve the state of peace and friendship in which the two countries 
are now placing themselves ; using, for this end, mutual representa- 
tions and pacific negotiations. And if, by these means, they should 
not be enabled to come to an agreement, a resort shall not, on this 
account, be had to reprisals, aggression, or hostility of any kind, by 
the one republic against the other, until the government of that which 
deems itself aggrieved shall have maturely considered, in the spirit of 
peace and good neighbourship, whether it would not be better that such 
difference should be settled by the arbitration of commissioners 
appointed on each side, or by that of a friendly nation. And should 
such course be proposed by either party, it shall be acceded to by the 
other, unless deemed by it altogether incompatible with the nature of 
the difference, or the circumstances of the case. 

Art. XXII. — If (which is not to be expected, and which God for- 
bid !) war shall unhappily break out between the two republics, they 
do now, with a view to such calamity, solemnly pledge themselves to 
each other and to the world, to observe the following rules, abso- 
lutely, where the nature of the subject permits, and as closely as 
possible in all cases where such absolute observance shall be im- 
possible. 

1. The merchants of either republic then residing in the other shall 
be allowed to remain twelve months, (for those dwelling in the interior,) 
and six months (for those dwelling at the seaports,) to collect their 
debts and settle their afTairs ; during which periods, they shall enjoy 
the same protection, and be on the same footing, in all respects, as the 
citizens or subjects of the most friendly nations ; and, at the expira- 
tion thereof, or at any time before, they shall have full liberty to 
depart, carrying off all their effects without molestation or hindrance : 
conforming therein to the same laws which the citizens or subjects of 
the most friendly nations are required to conform to. Upon the 
entrance of the armies of either nation into the territories of the other, 
women and children, ecclesiastics, scholars of every faculty, cultiva- 
tors of the earth, merchants, artisans, manufacturers, and fishermen, 
unarmed and inhabiting unfortified towns, villages, or places, and in 
general all persons whose occupations are for the common subsistence 
and benefit of mankind, shall be allowed to continue their respective 
employments unmolested in their persons. Nor shall their houses or 
goods be burnt or otherwise destroyed, nor their cattle taken, nor 
72 



556 APPENDIX. 

their fields wasted, by the armed force into whose power, by the 
events of war, they may happen to fall ; but if the necessity arise tc 
take any thing from them for the use of such armed force, the same 
shall be paid for at an equitable price. All churches, hospitals, 
schools, colleges, libraries, and other establishments, for charitable 
and beneficent purposes, shall be respected, and all persons connected 
with the same, protected in the discharge of their duties, and the pursuit 
of their vocations. 

2. In order that the fate of prisoners of war may be alleviated, all 
such practices as those of sending them into distant, inclement, or 
unwholesome districts, or crowding them into close and noxious 
places, shall be studiously avoided. They shall not be confined in 
dungeons, prison-ships, or prisons, nor be put in irons, or bound, or 
otherwise restrained in the use of their limbs. The officers shall 
enjoy liberty on their paroles, within convenient districts, and have 
comfortable quarters ; and the common soldiers shall be disposed in 
cantonments, open and extensive enough for air and exercise, anci 
lodged in barracks as roomy and good as are provided by the party 
iii whose power they are for its own troops. But if any officer shall 
break his parole by leaving the district so assigned him, or any other 
j)risoner shall escape from the limits of his cantonment, after they 
shall have been designated to him, such individual, officer, or other 
prisoner, shall forfeit so much of the benefit of this article as provides 
for his liberty on parole or in cantonment. And if an officer so 
breaking his parole, or any common soldier so escaping from the 
limits assigned him, shall afterwards be found in arms, previously to 
his being regularly exchanged, the person so offending shall be dealt 
with according to the established laws of war. The officers shall be 
daily furnished by the party in whose power they are, with as many 
rations, and of the same articles, as are allowed, either in kind or 
by commutation, to officers of equal rank in its own army ; and all 
others shall be daily furnished with such ration as is allowed to a 
common soldier in its own service ; the value of all which supplies 
shall, at the close of the war, or at periods to be agreed upon between 
the respective commanders, be paid by the other party, on a mutual 
Mdjustment of accounts for the subsistence of prisoners ; and such 
•iccounts shall not be mingled with or set off against any others, nor 
;he balance due on them be withheld, as a compensation or reprisal 
tor any cause whatever, real or pretended. Each party shall be 



APPENDIX. 557 

allowed to keep a commissary of prisoners, appointed by itself, with 
every cantonment of prisoners, in possession of the other; which 
commissary shall seethe prisoners as often as he pleases; shall be 
allowed to receive, exempt from all duties or taxes, and to distribute, 
whatever comforts may be sent to them by their friends; and shall 
■be tree to transmit his reports in open letters to the party by whom 
he is employed. 

And it is declared that neither the pretence that war dissolves all 
treaties, nor any other whatever, shall be considered as annulling or 
suspending the solemn covenant contained in this article. On the 
contrary, the state of war is precisely that for which it is provided ; 
and during which, its stipulations are to be as sacredly observed as 
the most acknowledged obligations under the law of nature or nations. 

Akt. XXIII. — This treaty shall be ratified by the President of the 
United States of America, by and with the advice and consent of the 
Senate thereof; and by the President of the Mexican republic, with 
the previous approbation of its General Congress ; and the ratifications 
shall be exchanged in the city of Washington, in four months from the 
date of the signature hereof, or sooner if practicable. 

In faith whereof, we, the respective plenipotentiaries, have signed 
this treaty of peace, friendship, limits, and settlement ; and have here- 
unto affixed our seals respectively. Done in quintuplicate, at the city 
of Guadalupe Hidalgo, on the second day of February, in the year of 
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-eight. 

N. P. TRIST, [l. s.] 

LUIS G. CUEVAS, [l. s.] 

BERNARDO CONTO, [l. s.] 
MIG. ATRTSTAIN, [l. s.] 

Additional and secret article of the treaty of feacc^ friendship, limits, and 
settlement, between the United States of America and the Mexican republic, 
sifrned this day by their respective plenipotentiaries. (Expunged.) 

In view of the possibility that the exchange of the ratifications of 
this treaty may, by the circumstances in which the Mexican republic 
is placed, be delayed longer than the term of four months fixed by its 
twenty-third article for the exchange of ratifications of the same, it is 
hereby agreed that such delay shall not, in any manner, aficct tin.' 
force and validity of this treaty, unless it should exceed the term ot 
eirrht months, counted from the date of the signature thereol". 



558 APPENDIX. 

This article is to have the same force and virtue as if inserted in 
the treaty to which this is an addition. 

In faith whereof, we, the respective plenipotentiaries, have signed 
this additional and secret article, and have hereunto affixed our seals, 
respectively. Done in quintuplicate, at the city of Guadalupe Hidalgo, 
on the second day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand 
eight hundred and forty-eight. 

N. P. TRIST, [l. s.] 

LUIS G. CUEVAS, [l. s.] 
BERNARDO CONTO, [l. s.] 
MIG. ATRISTAIN, [l. s.] 



THE END. 



LHttO 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

I M I I 



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